Western Australia Attorney General Christian Porter

New Chief Judge of the District Court of Western Australia

Victor P Taffa

Judge Peter Martino has been appointed the new Chief Judge of the District Court of Western Australia, replacing Chief Judge Antoinette Kennedy who will retire her commissions from July 1, 2010.

Attorney General Christian Porter today thanked Judge Kennedy for her dedicated services of more than 25 years on the bench and congratulated Judge Martino on the appointment.

Judge Martino will officially take up the post as of July 1 this year, but will act in the position from March 26 while Judge Kennedy takes leave.

“Judge Martino was appointed a Judge of the District Court in November 2000.” Mr Porter said.

“During his nine years on the bench he has demonstrated considerable legal acumen and an enormous capacity for judicial work.

“He is recognised as one of the leading lights on the District Court bench and has earned the admiration of his peers in the judiciary and members of the legal profession.

“As Chief Judge, he will be responsible for the overall management of the Court’s business and in providing leadership and direction for the Court’s members, an area he has particular strengths in.” Mr. Porter said.

“His demonstrated experience in law office management with a major law firm will stand him in good stead for fulfilling this role.”

Judge Martino was admitted into practice in 1978 and was initially employed as a solicitor with the firm of Stone James & Co (now Mallesons Stephen Jaques).

He became a partner of the firm in 1983, and administration partner in 1986 and managing partner from 1988 to 1990.

Judge Martino went to the Bar in 1991, where he practised extensively in the field of civil litigation, including in the areas of personal injuries, insurance, trade practices, professional negligence, corporations and insolvency.

Prior to his appointment as a Judge, he was a part-time Commissioner of the Commonwealth Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, a Commissioner of the District Court and Vice President of the Law Society of WA.

“I wish Chief Judge Kennedy the very best in her future endeavours and welcome Judge Martino to what promises to be a very challenging and rewarding role.” Mr Porter said.