Experienced criminal lawyer Ruth Dineen will commence as a magistrate with the Magistrates Court of Western Australia on 30 September 2025.
Dineen’s appointment filled the vacant position left by Magistrate Kevin Tavener, who is retiring.
West Australian Attorney-General, Dr Tony Buti, said: “I wish her well. I also take this opportunity to thank Kevin Tavener for his distinguished service as a magistrate over the past 15 years, including presiding in the Start (mental health) Court.”
As the former leader of the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) criminal law unit, Dineen served in the ALS of Western Australia for much of her career.
First admitted to practice in 1996, Dineen has appeared in criminal matters as counsel and provided duty lawyer services in courts in metropolitan and regional locations.
She was also counsel for summary trials, pleas in mitigation, bail applications, and directions hearings.
As a senior managing lawyer, she led the criminal law unit at ALS Perth, and before that, she served as a lawyer for the same unit.
Buti said: “She gained extensive experience as a criminal lawyer with the Aboriginal Legal Service and will be a welcome addition to the court as it manages a heavy caseload.”
At the ALS, Dineen developed working knowledge of the magistrates, children’s, and district courts, as well as bail support, custody notification, youth engagement, and work and development services.
“I congratulate Ms Ruth Dineen on her appointment as a magistrate of the Magistrates Court of Western Australia,” Buti said.
Her appointment follows that of Justin Geoghegan, who joined the Magistrates Court of Western Australia last month, and Saul Davies, who became a magistrate to the court last November.
