Catherine Carew QC and Richard O’Brien have been appointed to the Family Court of Australia in the Brisbane and Perth registries respectively. They fill the vacancies left by the retirements of the Hon Graham Bell and the Hon Justice Jane Crisford.

Elizabeth Boyle and Jillian Williams have been appointed to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia in the Sydney and Melbourne registries respectively. They fill the vacancies left by the retirements of Judge Denys Simpson and Judge Daniel O’Dwyer.

“On behalf of the government, I congratulate the six new federal judges and thank them for their willingness to serve the people of Australia,” Attorney-General Brandis said.

“I also thank the retiring judges for their distinguished service, and wish them well for the future.”

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These appointments follow recent concerns from the Law Council of Australia president Stuart Clark regarding the struggle to fill vacant judicial positions and the issues it was causing.

Attorney-General Brandis also announced nine appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal yesterday.

Jan Redfern PSM and Hon Dennis Cowdroy OAM have been appointed as deputy presidents of the Tribunal. Ms Redfern PSM will serve a period of seven years and Mr Cowdroy OAM will serve a period of five years.

Meanwhile, Dr Irene O’Connell has been reappointed as a full-time senior member for a period of five years.

Donald Davies has been appointed as a part-time senior member and Donald Morris has been appointed as a full-time member, each for a period of five years.

In addition, Professor David Ben Tovim, Andrew Cameron, Dr Bernard Hughson and Dr Peter Wilkins MBE have been appointed as part-time members to the Tribunal for a period of five years.

Attorney-General Brandis said: “I congratulate the appointees and look forward to the contribution they will make to the Tribunal.”