New Deputy Chief Stipendiary Magistrate announced

17/11/00
Attorney General Peter Foss has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Adele Woods as the new Deputy Chief Stipendiary Magistrate.
"Ms Woods has impressed with her flexibility, humanity and comprehensive knowledge and experience of criminal law," Mr Foss said.
Ms Woods, who completed her Law degree at the University of Western Australia in 1982, was a Legal Officer in the Crown Solicitor's Office from 1984 to 1992. She transferred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as a Legal Officer in 1992 and later was promoted as Senior Crown prosecutor and Team Manager Long Trials.
Ms Woods was appointed a Stipendiary Magistrate in July, 1999 and was posted to Kalgoorlie in October, 1999.
"Ms Woods has been very innovative in Kalgoorlie where she has developed diversion programs for substance abuse offenders involving service providers such as the Salvation Army, Centre Care and the WA Police Service," Mr Foss said.
Ms Woods has also been very active on a number of committees and involved with special projects - including a long association with the Law Society's Mock Trial Competition (sponsored by the Ministry of Justice).
However, this has not kept her away from an obvious interest in basketball, where Ms Woods has been selected and participated as an official at the Sydney Olympics 2000, the Paralympics 2000 and the Gold Cup in 1998.
"There is no doubt that I look forward to Ms Woods' obvious 'fair play' attitude within the justice system," Mr Foss said.
Ms Woods is expected to move to Perth in the New Year. Until a new permanent Magistrate is appointed for Kalgoorlie, a rostering of Perth Magistrates will service the Kalgoorlie Court.
Media Contact: Danielle van Kampen - 9321 2222