- Dr Stephen Willey appointed as a new Judge of the District Court of Western Australia
- He brings extensive private practice and public and administrative law experience to the role
Experienced lawyer Dr Stephen Willey has been appointed as a Judge of the District Court of Western Australia.
Dr Willey joins the judiciary after serving for the past eight years as a full-time senior member and ordinary member of the State Administrative Tribunal.
He managed the tribunal's development and resources lists as well as sitting across all its streams including guardianship and administration, health, vocational regulation, and building and construction matters.
Admitted to practice in 2007, Dr Willey worked in private practice in Perth and Melbourne for seven years in the areas of planning, environment, property, land compensation, and local government law.
In 2013, he was appointed to the State Solicitor's Office (SSO) where he rose to the position of Senior Assistant State Counsel in 2017.
During his five years at the SSO, he specialised in public and administrative law, particularly in disputes relating to land including Aboriginal heritage, compensation, environment, land tax, property, town planning, and valuation.
Dr Willey commences in his new role on 30 November 2026, following the recent appointment to the Supreme Court of a former District Court Judge.
As stated by Attorney General Dr Tony Buti:
"I congratulate Dr Stephen Willey on his appointment as a Judge of the WA District Court.
"He has gained a breadth of legal experience across almost two decades in private practice, State Government representation, and the State Administrative Tribunal.
"Dr Willey's proven capacity to determine complex legal matters and manage demanding caseloads has prepared him well for the important work of the District Court."
