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The NSW Local Court is poised to reach a historic milestone, with six new judges set to join the bench and lift its judicial ranks to a record 160.
The NSW government has appointed six new judges to the state’s Local Court, strengthening the bench of Australia’s busiest court jurisdiction at a time of mounting caseloads and increasing demand for judicial services across NSW.
Joining the bench are Lisa Hanshaw, Diane Chappell, Lynda Davids, John Sfinas, Benjamin Pierce, and Peter Ringbauer.
In announcing the appointments, Attorney-General Michael Daley shared that the six lawyers would help enhance the Local Court’s capacity to deliver justice, drawing on their extensive professional experience and commitment to public service.
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of six outstanding lawyers to the Local Court bench. Our Local Court judges make critical decisions every day that affect people’s lives, families, and futures,” Daley said.
“These new appointees bring a wealth of legal expertise, compassion, integrity, and a deep understanding of the communities they will serve.
“This new cohort will strengthen the diversity, resilience, and capability of the Local Court, and I thank them for their service to justice in NSW.”
Together, the six appointees bring more than 150 years of combined legal experience spanning criminal, civil, and community law and will serve communities throughout metropolitan and regional NSW.
The appointments will also mark a significant milestone for the Local Court, with its judicial ranks set to expand to a record 160 judges – the largest complement in the court’s history.
The new judges will formally take their places on the bench later this month in a series of swearing-in ceremonies, with Hanshaw and Chappell to be sworn in on 23 June, Davids and Sfinas on 24 June, and Pierce and Ringbauer on 25 June.
As the court behind more than 90 per cent of judicial decisions in NSW, the Local Court will benefit from the addition of six new judges, whom the NSW government said will provide “valuable support” in managing caseloads and delivering timely, fair and accessible justice.
