Ms SCRYMGOUR - 2003-10-14
The Territory’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Brian Martin, retires at the end of this month. Can you please advise the House who will take on this important role as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
ANSWER
Mr Acting Speaker, I am very pleased to announce today that Justice Brian Ross Martin, a judge from the Supreme Court of South Australia since 1999, is to be the new Chief Justice of the Northern Territory Supreme Court.
Justice Martin brings a wealth of skills and experience to the Supreme Court with his outstanding reputation as a barrister and judge, and for his leadership skills. Justice Martin was Senior Counsel assisting the Western Australian Royal Commission, WA Inc, between 1991 and 1992, where his effective cross-examination of witnesses had a major impact on the proceedings. You can see that we are not politically motivated in this appointment.
He was appointed Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions in 1997, and served in that position until his appointment to the South Australian bench in 1999. He also chaired the national Standing Committee of Attorneys-General Working Committee on Reforming Criminal Trial Processes which, in the year 2000, produced a blueprint for achieving greater efficiencies within the criminal justice system. His most recent trial was South Australia’s Snowtown murders. His handling of that very complex trial was praised throughout the justice community.
The Chief Justice position is a critical one in the Northern Territory justice system. The criteria used to judge possible appointees included legal knowledge and experience, intellectual and analytical ability, sound and decisive judgment, personal integrity and fairness, maturity, courtesy, humanity and commitment, organisation ability and communication skills. With his calibre and breadth of experience, Justice Martin will be a welcome addition to the Territory’s bench. On behalf of the government, I congratulate him on his appointment.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to our retiring Chief Justice, also Chief Justice Martin. As many members will know, Chief Justice Martin retires at the end of this month after a long career of distinguished public service. He has served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the Northern Territory since March 1993 and, during that time, has demonstrated compassion, balance and a sense of justice. He has contributed to the law as a private solicitor, Solicitor-General, judge and Chief Justice, and has consistently and fiercely defended the independence of the judiciary, often against quite difficult political actions.
Chief Justice Martin has much to reflect on through his years of practice of the law, and we take great pride in his achievements. We wish him and his wife, Lorraine, happiness and fulfilment in their retirement.
Members: Hear, hear!
ANSWER
Mr Acting Speaker, I am very pleased to announce today that Justice Brian Ross Martin, a judge from the Supreme Court of South Australia since 1999, is to be the new Chief Justice of the Northern Territory Supreme Court.
Justice Martin brings a wealth of skills and experience to the Supreme Court with his outstanding reputation as a barrister and judge, and for his leadership skills. Justice Martin was Senior Counsel assisting the Western Australian Royal Commission, WA Inc, between 1991 and 1992, where his effective cross-examination of witnesses had a major impact on the proceedings. You can see that we are not politically motivated in this appointment.
He was appointed Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions in 1997, and served in that position until his appointment to the South Australian bench in 1999. He also chaired the national Standing Committee of Attorneys-General Working Committee on Reforming Criminal Trial Processes which, in the year 2000, produced a blueprint for achieving greater efficiencies within the criminal justice system. His most recent trial was South Australia’s Snowtown murders. His handling of that very complex trial was praised throughout the justice community.
The Chief Justice position is a critical one in the Northern Territory justice system. The criteria used to judge possible appointees included legal knowledge and experience, intellectual and analytical ability, sound and decisive judgment, personal integrity and fairness, maturity, courtesy, humanity and commitment, organisation ability and communication skills. With his calibre and breadth of experience, Justice Martin will be a welcome addition to the Territory’s bench. On behalf of the government, I congratulate him on his appointment.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to our retiring Chief Justice, also Chief Justice Martin. As many members will know, Chief Justice Martin retires at the end of this month after a long career of distinguished public service. He has served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the Northern Territory since March 1993 and, during that time, has demonstrated compassion, balance and a sense of justice. He has contributed to the law as a private solicitor, Solicitor-General, judge and Chief Justice, and has consistently and fiercely defended the independence of the judiciary, often against quite difficult political actions.
Chief Justice Martin has much to reflect on through his years of practice of the law, and we take great pride in his achievements. We wish him and his wife, Lorraine, happiness and fulfilment in their retirement.
Members: Hear, hear!
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016