Attorney General announces newly appointed Supreme Court Judge

18/10/00
Attorney General Peter Foss today announced the appointment of Mr Len Roberts-Smith QC as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
Mr Roberts-Smith, who is to replace Hon Justice Heenan (retiring November 4), will take up his position on the bench on November 6.
"It was only in August that I was welcoming Mr Roberts-Smith as President of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal," Mr Foss said.
"Therefore it gives me even greater pleasure to announce his well-deserved appointment to the Supreme Court."
Mr Roberts-Smith was admitted to practice in 1970 in South Australia.
He moved to Papua New Guinea in 1970 to take up the position of Chief Crown Prosecutor, and upon Papua New Guinea's independence in 1975 he became the country's first Public Prosecutor.
On his return to South Australia he was appointed a Stipendiary Magistrate, before accepting the Foundation Directorship of the Legal Aid Commission of Western Australia in 1978.
Appointed a Queen's Counsel in December 1989, Mr Roberts-Smith has held a number of prominent community positions including former chairman of the Citizens' Advice Bureau of WA (Inc) and of the State Advisory Panel for Translators and Interpreters.
He holds the rank of Colonel in the Australian Army Legal Corps Reserve and has been a military Judge Advocate and Defence Force Magistrate since 1985.
Mr Roberts-Smith also held the position of Deputy President of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal for 11 years before being made President.
"I look forward to Mr Roberts-Smith's valuable contribution in his new role within the justice system," Mr Foss said.
Media contact: Danielle van Kampen - 9321 2222