Released 12/12/2025
The ACT Government has delivered on its commitment to invest in the long-term strength and sustainability of the justice system with the selection of experienced lawyer and tribunal member Heidi Robinson to be the Territory’s10th magistrate.
Funding for a 10th magistrate was announced in the 2025-26 Budget to address increasing demand and improve court processing times for civil and criminal matters.
Attorney-General Tara Cheyne said Ms Robinson’s extensive experience across the ACT’s legal system, which includes serving as a Presidential Member of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, would be beneficial in her new role.
“I am pleased to be able to appoint Heidi Robinson as a magistrate to strengthen the capacity of the ACT Magistrates Court,” the Attorney-General said.
“The expansion of the ACT Magistrates court to include a 10th magistrate reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to enabling the timely and efficient delivery of justice in the ACT.
“Ms Robinson has experience in diverse parts of the ACT legal system, from public and private legal practice to nearly a decade of experience as an ACAT member.
“She brings significant experience in a broad range of areas relevant to the Magistrates Court including employment and industrial law, civil claims, commercial disputes, child welfare law, mental health, building disputes, nuisance and negligence.”
Ms Robinson has served as an ACAT member since 2016 and has been a Presidential Member since 2021. Prior to this she was a barrister at Blackburn Chambers, a special counsel at the ACT Government Solicitor and a senior executive in the ACT Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate.
In her nearly 10 years as an ACAT member, she has presided over matters across all the Tribunal’s jurisdictions, including mental health, guardianship, civil disputes, contract disputes, negligence claims, consumer law claims, unit titles and retirement village disputes, discrimination, occupational discipline and administrative review of government decisions.
The Attorney-General also announced today that Marcus Hassall has been offered an appointment as an ACAT Presidential Member in a separate process to fill a position created by the resignation of Dr Juliet Lucy as a full-time Presidential Member. Dr Lucy will continue to serve the ACAT in a part-time capacity.
Mr Hassall is currently a Special Magistrate in the ACT Magistrates Court and a barrister at Blackburn Chambers. He is a former ACT Legal Aid Commissioner, president of the ACT Bar Association and federal prosecutor.
“Throughout his career Marcus Hassall has proven to have strong legal skills, careful judgment, and a firm commitment to fairness and proper procedure,” the Attorney-General said.
“I have no doubt that Mr Hassall’s skills and experience will contribute to the ongoing success of ACAT and the administration of justice in the ACT.”
Quote attributable to Heidi Robinson:
“I am deeply honoured to be offered this appointment as a magistrate in the ACT Magistrates Court and welcome the opportunity to continue serving the people of Canberra in this new role.”
Quote attributable to Marcus Hassall:
“I am thrilled to accept the offer of appointment as a Presidential Member of ACAT and look forward to continuing my contribution to the administration of justice in the ACT in this new capacity.”
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases