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The Chief Judge is the principal Judicial Officer of the Local Court of New South Wales and is appointed by the Governor of New South Wales pursuant to the Local Court Act 2007. The Chief Judge is His Honour Judge Michael Allen.
His Honour Judge Michael Allen, Chief Judge
His Honour Deputy Chief Judge M Antrum
Her Honour Deputy Chief Judge S Freund
His Honour Deputy Chief Judge T Tsavdaridis
State Coroner Her Honour Judge T O'Sullivan
For Deputy State Coroners, see the Coroners website.
Under the direction of the Chief Judge, the staff of the Local Court Executive Office provide statewide administrative support to the Judges of the busiest Court in Australia.
One of the primary functions of the Local Court Executive Office is to assist the Chief Judge in organising and managing the sittings of the Local Court throughout New South Wales.
The Local Court Executive Office is responsible for the publication of sittings schedules, rosters, Chief Judge's Circulars, Local Court Practice Notes, listing of cases and collation of statistical information. The Local Court Executive Office coordinates Judges' travel across the state to ensure requirements for sittings are met and coordinates Judges’ attendance at various conferences throughout the year.
The Local Court Executive Office also facilitates strategic and effective working relationships with stakeholders and provides research and project support as required by the Chief Judge. The Local Court Executive Office also supports the Chief Judge in submissions to Government on legislative change and policy proposals.
PO Box A4, SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235
Level 5, Downing Centre
143-147 Liverpool St, SYDNEY NSW 2000
Judges of the Local Court of New South Wales are independent Judicial Officers, and the Chief Judge has no supervisory function over Judges in the exercise of their judicial authority. The Chief Judge cannot direct a Judge to make particular decisions, nor can the Chief Judge review or overturn any decisions made by a Judge. If you wish to appeal a decision of the Court, you should seek legal advice. Information about where you can find legal advice can be found here.
The Judicial Commission of New South Wales deals with complaints against Judicial Officers. The Judicial Commission also cannot review or overturn a decision made by a Judicial Officer. The Judicial Commission only addresses complaints about the conduct of Judicial Officers.
From time to time, the Governor will appoint new Judges and Acting Judges to the Bench. The selection process is undertaken by a panel appointed by the Attorney General. This process is done through iWorkForNSW. Other applications will not be considered.
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