Judges’ Peak Body Welcomes NSW Change of Title from Magistrates to Judges

Media Statement

From Justice Steven Moore
President of the Australian Judicial Officers Association

21 November 2024

The Australian Judicial Officers Association (AJOA) welcomes the announcement by NSW Attorney-General, the Hon Michael Daley MP, that the title Magistrate of the Local Court will be changed to Judge of the Local Court.

The new title reflects the important and demanding judicial work done by Magistrates. In NSW, the Local Court has a wide criminal jurisdiction and exercises jurisdiction in most civil matters up to $100,000. In 2023, the Local Court dealt with 376,160 criminal matters and 64,904 civil matters.

The decision acknowledges the importance of the role, and the hard work and dedication of the judicial officers of the Local Court of New South Wales.

The AJOA has advocated for the change of title for many years and is delighted by the announcement by the Attorney-General of NSW.

Consistent with its long-standing policy position, the AJOA will continue to advocate for the title Magistrate to be changed to Judge throughout all Australian jurisdictions.

The Australian Judicial Officers Association is the professional association of judges and magistrates in Australia. For further information, contact Karen Sloan, Australian Judicial Officers Association Secretariat: secretariat@ajoa.asn.au | 02 6125 5763.

The President of the AJOA is not available for broadcast or television interviews on this matter.

To view the statement as a PDF, please click here.