The Australian Capital Territory has a new Supreme Court judge, with prominent Canberra barrister Jon White SC appointed to the bench.
Appointment Announcement
Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury announced the appointment on Wednesday, stating that Mr White would fill the vacancy created by Justice John Mossop's elevation to the Federal Court of Australia earlier this year.
Mr White has been a legal practitioner for more than 30 years, having been admitted to practice in 1990. He took silk, becoming a Senior Counsel, in 2014.
Extensive Legal Career
His career has spanned both public and private practice. He served as a prosecutor in the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions for several years before moving into private practice as a barrister.
Mr White has appeared in numerous high-profile cases in the ACT Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, as well as in the High Court of Australia.
He has also served as a part-time member of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal and as a member of the Legal Aid Commission.
Reactions and Expectations
Attorney-General Rattenbury said Mr White brought a wealth of experience to the role.
"Mr White has had a distinguished career as a barrister and has demonstrated a deep commitment to the law and the ACT community," Mr Rattenbury said.
"I am confident he will serve with distinction as a judge of the Supreme Court."
The ACT Bar Association also welcomed the appointment, describing Mr White as a highly respected member of the legal profession.
"Jon is an outstanding advocate and a person of great integrity. He will be an excellent addition to the Supreme Court bench," the association said in a statement.
Background and Education
Mr White holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University and a Master of Laws from the University of Cambridge.
He is expected to be sworn in as a judge in the coming weeks.
