Released 10/08/2018
Louise Taylor has been appointed as a Magistrate of the ACT Magistrates Court, Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay announced today. Ms Taylor will commence on 10 September 2018, and will be the eighth permanent Magistrate sitting on the Magistrates Court.
“With her wide-ranging experience in criminal prosecution and defence, particularly in the ACT context, as well as her contribution to the ACT community in volunteer roles, I am confident that Ms Taylor will make a significant contribution to enhancing access to justice outcomes at the ACT Magistrates Court,” Minister Ramsay said.
“Along with her legal experience, Ms Taylor has strong leadership skills, as demonstrated by her performance as Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Legal Aid ACT.
“Ms Taylor’s appointment reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to provide the ACT Magistrates Court with the resources it needs to meet increasing demand.”
Ms Taylor has over 15 years of experience as a lawyer in the ACT, including specialist experience as a prosecutor in criminal law. This has included experience in the offices of both the Commonwealth and ACT Directors of Public Prosecutions, and has involved oversight of the ACT’s Family Violence Intervention Program.
As the Deputy CEO of Legal Aid ACT since 2014, Ms Taylor has had direct management of the Legal Aid Commission’s litigation practice, specifically in the areas of family and criminal law.
“Ms Taylor will also bring the lived experience of an Aboriginal woman to the Court. She will be the ACT’s first Aboriginal judicial officer,” Minister Ramsay said.
Ms Taylor spent a significant period as Chair of the Women’s Legal Centre ACT and is currently a member of the Law Council of Australia’s Indigenous Legal Issues Committee, as well as an Associate of the UNSW Indigenous Law Centre.
“I welcome Ms Taylor to the ACT Magistrates Court and look forward to her continued contribution to the ACT community in her new role.” Minister Ramsay said.
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*A photo of Ms Taylor is available on request*
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Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases