The ACT's newest resident judge, Justice Andrew Muller, has vowed to honour the trust placed in him as he steps into his new role on the Supreme Court. He was sworn in on Friday, April 24, marking the culmination of more than 36 years as a solicitor and barrister in the territory.
A Career of Service
Justice Muller graduated from Macquarie University with a bachelor of laws and a bachelor of economics before moving to Canberra more than 30 years ago. He served as president of the ACT Bar Association and was appointed Senior Counsel in October 2023. Since April 2025, he has been an acting judge in the Supreme Court.
Speaking before a packed gallery at his swearing-in ceremony, Justice Muller described his new role as an "enormous privilege." He joked that a judicial colleague suggested he was "the first judge procured by the ACT government via Afterpay," referencing his 12-month tenure as an acting judge. "The try before you buy experience has worked both ways," he said. "I have had the opportunity to observe the character, calibre and commitment of the existing judges in this court."
Gratitude and Recognition
Justice Muller thanked his colleagues, mentors, and his family, which he described as "vast in numbers," for their support. "All of you in your different ways are inspirations for me, and I greatly value your constant support," he said.
ACT Attorney-General Tara Cheyne welcomed Justice Muller with "delight and unbridled enthusiasm," calling him a "Canberra success story." She highlighted his significant contribution to the court during his 12 months as an acting judge. "Having acted as a judge for a year, Justice Muller knows first-hand that the judicial office is both a privilege and a profound responsibility," she said.
Cheyne noted that Justice Muller's appointment carried the "explicit support" of Chief Justice Lucy McCallum, the ACT government, the Bar Association, and the Law Society. "Unsurprisingly, across the ACT, there is collective pride and confidence in this appointment," she said. "I trust that this pride and confidence that we have will hold you in good stead through the good times and the tough ones."
Justice Muller thanked the Attorney-General and Chief Justice McCallum for supporting his appointment. "I will faithfully endeavour to justify your trust," he said.
