- Principal Registrar appointed Judge of the District Court of Western Australia
- Appointment strengthens capacity across several WA jurisdictions
- Respected court leader brings almost 30 years' legal experience to the role
Attorney General Dr Tony Buti has announced the appointment of Dr Brenda McGivern as a Judge of the District Court of Western Australia.
Dr McGivern, who is currently Principal Registrar of the District Court, will commence in the role on 5 October 2026.
The newly funded judicial position will increase capacity within the District Court and support the allocation of judicial resources across the Children's Court of Western Australia and the State Administrative Tribunal.
Admitted to practice in Western Australia in 1997, and earning a PhD in Law in 2005, Dr McGivern has built a distinguished career spanning legal practice, academia, tribunal decision-making and court administration.
Her experience includes senior roles in private practice and higher education, with expertise in health law, civil liability, insurance law and professional indemnity matters.
Since 2020, Dr McGivern has served as an Ordinary Member of the State Administrative Tribunal, principally within its Civil, Commercial and Human Rights streams. She has been Principal Registrar of the District Court since July 2022.
Dr McGivern is a nationally accredited mediator and a Vincent Fairfax Fellow, having graduated with a Fellowship in Ethical Leadership in 2021.
She has served on the board and council of the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration and as a member and chair of the Child and Adolescent Health Service Paediatric Clinical Ethics Service for lengthy periods.
As stated by Attorney General and Corrective Services Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Brenda McGivern as a Judge of the District Court of Western Australia.
"Dr McGivern is an accomplished legal practitioner, academic and court administrator whose extensive experience will serve the Western Australian community well.
"Her appointment will further strengthen the District Court and support the effective administration of justice across a number of important jurisdictions.
"I congratulate Dr McGivern on her appointment and wish her every success in the role."
