Released 26/06/2020
Former judge of the ACT Supreme Court, Justice Richard Refshauge, has been appointed as an Acting Judge to oversee the ACT's Drug and Alcohol Court, Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay announced today.
Justice Refshauge's role will commence on 1 July 2020 for a period of 12 months.
Justice Refshauge served as the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions from 1998 to 2008 when he was appointed as a resident Judge of the ACT Supreme Court. His Honour served on the Court until May 2017.
"Throughout his career Justice Refshauge has demonstrated a deep commitment to establishing the ACT as a leading human rights jurisdiction. He brings to the position a wealth of experience in a wide range of legal capacities, and I have full confidence that he will uphold the restorative principles of the Drug and Alcohol Court," Mr Ramsay said.
"It is my great pleasure to welcome Justice Refshauge to the role."
Justice Refshauge will take on the role following the work of Acting Justice Lorraine Walker to establish the Drug and Alcohol Court and who has returned to the role of ACT Chief Magistrate. The Government expresses its appreciation to the Chief Magistrate and to Justice Loukas-Karlsson, who has led the work for the Drug and Alcohol Court since early April.
The ACT's Drug and Alcohol Court began operations on 3 December 2019 as a multi-disciplinary unit to support offenders address substance addictions associated with criminal activities.
Since its inception, 25 people have been referred to the Drug and Alcohol Court, with 8 offenders having received a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases