Elise Archer,Attorney-General
I am very pleased to announce that Magistrate Tamara Jago SC has now been appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Tasmania, delivering on our promise to appoint a seventh Judge to the Supreme Court.
Our Government is committed to delivering a more efficient and effective justice system for all Tasmanians, and this appointment will assist in reducing criminal court backlogs and provide better access to justice for Tasmanians.
Magistrate Jago was born and raised in Tasmania, and will bring extensive knowledge and experience to this important role having worked on some of Tasmania's most difficult and complex criminal trials and appeals, in addition to mentoring and supporting many young lawyers.
I know she has also been a trailblazer in the legal profession, holding the distinction of being the first woman to be appointed a Senior Counsel, before being appointed as a Magistrate in 2016.
Magistrate Jago's appointment as a Judge will commence on 1 November 2021, allowing an orderly transition of her cases in the Magistrates Court.
Pleasingly, for the first time, Magistrate Jago will be stationed in Burnie but will also regularly travel to Hobart and Launceston – improving access to justice for Tasmanians statewide, but especially on the North West Coast.
This appointment follows a selection process in accordance with the Protocol for Judicial Appointments, and will be the first time since 1995 that the Supreme Court has had seven Judges.
A new Magistrate will now need to be appointed to replace Magistrate Jago which I intend to embark upon as quickly as possible.
I congratulate Magistrate Jago on her appointment, and look forward to her being sworn in on 1 November 2021.
