The ACT Government today acknowledged the retirement of the Honorable Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson, recognising her significant contribution to the administration of justice in the Territory and over three decades of service to the legal profession in Australia.
Appointed to the ACT Supreme Court in 2018, Justice Loukas-Karlsson has served with distinction across complex civil and criminal matters, contributing to the development of ACT jurisprudence and modelling the highest standards of judicial independence, fairness and compassion.
Before joining the Bench, she built a distinguished career at the criminal bar, including roles as Senior Counsel, long-standing service as a Public Defender and Crown Prosecutor, and significant advocacy in human rights, women's rights, and access to justice matters.
Justice Loukas-Karlsson is widely respected for her deep legal expertise, her generosity as a mentor to early-career lawyers, and her commitment to ensuring that the justice system remains responsive to vulnerable court users.
The ACT Government will soon commence the appointment process for a new Supreme Court judge.
The ACT Government thanks Justice Loukas-Karlsson for her exemplary service and wishes her well in her retirement.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
"I thank Justice Loukas-Karlsson for her outstanding service to the people of the ACT. Throughout her career she has demonstrated unwavering integrity, intellectual rigour and a deep commitment to justice. Her judgments, her leadership within the court, and compassion for those who appear before it has left a profound and enduring mark on our legal system."
Quote attributable to Attorney-General Tara Cheyne:
"Justice Loukas-Karlsson has been a role model for many in the profession – particularly women in law – and her legacy will be felt for many years to come. On behalf of the ACT Government, I extend my sincere thanks and best wishes for her retirement."
Quote attributable to Chief Justice Lucy McCallum:
"Justice Loukas-Karlsson retires after almost eight years of devoted service to the community. As a jurist, her Honour has sought to practice the virtues admired by the Stoics: wisdom, courage and justice. Beyond her judicial responsibilities, her Honour has participated extensively in the legal community and is greatly admired as a leader and mentor."
Quote attributable to Justice Loukas-Karlsson:
"It was the honour of my life to serve as a judge of the Supreme Court of the ACT: the jury (by way of the statistics) is in; the ACT is at the top of the educated, progressive and civil places to live in Australia."
