The Rockliff Liberal Government is improving access to the justice system, with the Governor reappointing the Hon Brian Martin AO KC as an Acting Judge of the Supreme Court of Tasmania.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said Acting Justice Martin has been reappointed until 30 June 2024 in response to a request from the Chief Justice for a short-term appointment to be made to assist the Supreme Court.
"Acting Justice Martin has had a long and esteemed career in the legal profession and previously served as an Acting Judge of the Supreme Court of Tasmania from 2017 until 30 June this year," said the Attorney-General.
The reappointment of Acting Justice Martin means the Supreme Court now has two Acting Judges in addition to the seven substantive Judges.
"This appointment alleviates pressure on the Court due to periods of leave of substantive Judges and the retirement of Associate Justice Stephen Holt earlier this year," the Attorney-General said.
"The recruitment process to replace Associate Justice Holt is well progressed, and the appointment of Acting Justice Martin – along with the recent passage of the Criminal Code Amendment (Criminal Jurisdiction of the Associate Judge) Bill 2023 - will increase the time available to the other Judges to hear criminal trials.
"The Government continues to work closely with the Court to ensure it can manage the work of the Court, and the reappointment of Acting Justice Martin is the latest in a number of steps we have taken to support the Court in managing their caseload," the Attorney-General said.
