Contact Officer:

Siobhan McDonnell on 02 6136 8962 or [email protected]

Closing Date:

11.59pm AEDT, Sunday 4 October 2026

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (the department), on behalf of the Hon Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Minister for Emergency Management, is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons for appointment to two positions: the combined role of Chief Magistrate of the Norfolk Island Court of Petty Sessions and Coroner of Norfolk Island; and the combined role of Magistrate of the Norfolk Island Court of Petty Sessions and Deputy Coroner of Norfolk Island.

- Chief Magistrate of the Court of Petty Sessions of Norfolk Island and Coroner of Norfolk Island
- Magistrate of the Court of Petty Sessions of Norfolk Island and Deputy Coroner of Norfolk Island

Both positions will become available in the first half of 2027 when successful candidates will be appointed as Magistrates, with one candidate to be appointed Chief Magistrate in June 2027. This merit-based process reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to integrity and diversity.

About the Norfolk Island Court of Petty Sessions The Norfolk Island Court of Petty Sessions is the lower court of Norfolk Island, equivalent to many of mainland Australia’s magistrates’ and local courts. In exercising summary criminal jurisdiction, magistrates of the Court of Petty Sessions apply the laws in force in Norfolk Island. The Court’s civil jurisdiction includes, subject to certain limitations, jurisdiction to hear and determine civil claims in respect of a sum or matter at issue that does not exceed, or the value of which does not exceed, $60,000, comprising the majority of criminal and civil cases in Norfolk Island.

The Court’s jurisdiction also includes proceedings under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW)(NI) and some matters under Traffic Act 2010 (NI) andthe Liquor Act 2005 (NI).

About the roles The current Chief Magistrate/Coroner’s term of appointment for the roles of Chief Magistrate and Coroner ends in June 2027. The purpose of this recruitment process is to identify a candidate to succeed the current Chief Magistrate/Coroner in these combined roles at the end of the tenure period, and to recruit an additional Magistrate who would also serve as Deputy Coroner.

Chief Magistrate and Coroner The Chief Magistrate of the Norfolk Island Court of Petty Sessions is an integral statutory appointment in the Norfolk Island justice system, made by the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Minister for Emergency Management. The Chief Magistrate manages the work of the Court of Petty Sessions, Norfolk Island’s inferior court.

This is a part-time role. The Court of Petty Sessions sits only as required, based on the needs of the Court, in particular the number of matters brought before it. The Court ordinarily sits for up to three days in alternate months, and in the alternate month, sits for a half day with a video link with a mainland courtroom.

This role has a requirement to be available to deal with urgent matters which may arise and be dealt with by telephone or audio-visual link (AVL).

The term of appointment is expected to be three years.

The successful applicant will be appointed as the Chief Magistrate of the Court of Petty Sessions of Norfolk Island (the Court) under section 6(2) of the Court of Petty Sessions Act 1960 (NI). The Court exercises both criminal and civil jurisdiction. The current Chief Magistrate advises that criminal and traffic law matters, domestic and personal violence and some family law applications make up a significant part of the matters that come before the Court.

It is anticipated the Chief Magistrate will also be appointed as the Coroner,



by the Administrator of the Territory of Norfolk Island under paragraph 5(1)(a) of the Coroners Act 1993 (NI) (Coroners Act).

The Coroners Act establishes the Coroner’s Court and confers powers on the Coroner to conduct inquests into deaths, inquiries relating to fires, recording of findings and management of court proceedings. In addition, the Coroner is responsible for procedures relating to postmortem examinations, exhumations and the summoning of witnesses. Given the small population of Norfolk Island, incidents requiring the attention of the Coroner are relatively rare.

By virtue of the successful applicant’s appointment as the Chief Magistrate, they will also hold additional positions and perform other functions in relation to Norfolk Island. The Chief Magistrate also holds the position of President of the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 1996 (NI) and performs functions under the Employment Act 1988 (NI). These additional functions are rarely required and are exercised on an ad hoc basis.

Magistrate and Deputy Coroner

Magistrates work under the general and specific direction of the Chief Magistrate. This role will support the Chief Magistrate in the performance of their duties.

Successful applicants will be appointed as a magistrate of the Court of Petty Sessions of Norfolk Island under section 6(1) of the Court of Petty Sessions Act 1960 (NI). This is a part time role. The Court of Petty Sessions sits only as required, based on the needs of the Court, in particular the number of matters brought before it.

The Court ordinarily sits for up to three days in alternate months, and in the alternate month, sits for a half day with a video link with a mainland courtroom. It is anticipated that the second Magistrate recruited through this process will act in the role of Chief Magistrate in the Chief Magistrate's absence when required.

This role may be required, at the direction of the Chief Magistrate, to be available to deal with urgent matters which may arise at any time and be dealt with by telephone or AVL.

The term of appointment is expected to be three years.

The Magistrate will also be appointed as the Deputy Coroner, by the Administrator of the Territory of Norfolk Island under paragraph 5(1)(b) of the Coroners Act 1993 (NI). The Deputy Coroner has the powers, authority and jurisdiction of the Coroner outlined above, in certain circumstances. These circumstances include where the Coroner is absent or for any reason unable to discharge the duties of the office, there is a vacancy in the office of Coroner, or as directed by the Coroner.

Daily fee rate The successful applicants will be paid based on a daily fee rate. This rate takes into consideration the full-time base salary of the Chief Judge and the Deputy Chief Judge of the FCFCOA (Division 2) as determined from time to time by the Remuneration Tribunal. The terms and conditions of employment are equivalent to those of the relevant position determined by the Remuneration Tribunal (as determined by the Commonwealth Minister).

Travel allowance

Travel within Australia undertaken by the successful applicants for the purpose of official business and involving overnight absences (official domestic travel) will be paid travel allowance per night at the rate of an overnight absence payable to office holders, including the meals and incidentals, as determined by the Remuneration Tribunal from time to time (as determined by the Commonwealth Minister).

Who we are looking for To be considered for these roles,



you must hold a recognised Australian legal qualification and at least five years’ experience as a legal practitioner. Judicial experience in remote communities on broad range of matters is highly desirable, as is coronial experience. In addition, you must have the following personal and professional qualities:

Selection Criteria

- Outstanding legal expertise (ideally judicial and/or coronial expertise).
- Integrity, impartiality and professionalism.
- Exceptional organisational and decision-making skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills and sound judgement.
- Resilience and adaptability.

Eligibility requirements

- Citizenship: Candidates must be an Australian citizen to be eligible for these roles.
- Police and background checks: Preferred applicants may be the subject of police record checks and background checks.
- Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at the Baseline level. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.

How to apply Applications for these positions close at 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday 4 October 2026.

Your application should be submitted through the department’s online recruitment system.

If you experience any issues submitting your application, please contact our recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at [email protected] to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.

Assessment Process The assessment process is designed to determine the suitability of candidates for the role. As part of your application, you will need to provide:

- your current Curriculum Vitae (CV), no more than 4 pages;
- the name and contact details of 2 referees who can speak to your qualifications, experience, and conduct as it applies to the advertised role; and
- a statement of claims (maximum 750 words) addressing how you meet the selection criteria.

Candidates will be assessed by the panel initially on their written response to the selection criteria. It is essential that candidates provide a detailed and considered response to the criteria, as the assessment panel will rely on the information provided in this response in determining whether a candidate possesses suitable expertise, as identified in the descriptions above, to be invited to interview. In addition, shortlisted candidates will be asked to undergo psychometric assessments. Your CV provides evidence that you have relevant work experience that supports your claimed expertise; it is not a substitute for detailed responses to the selection criteria.

Candidates should expect at least one referee check to be conducted if the panel considers the candidate may be suitable for appointment.

At the conclusion of the interview and referee checks, a list of suitable candidates and reasons will be provided to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Minister for Emergency Management, to be considered for recommendation for appointment as a Magistrate. Candidates being considered for appointment will need to complete a private interests declaration.

Private Interests Declaration

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a Private Interests Declaration. You will be required to disclose, among other things, any criminal convictions, your financial interests, and whether you have ever been the subject of a substantiated or ongoing complaint to a professional body.

Privacy

Information provided by prospective applicants will be treated in accordance with the principles of the Privacy Act 1988 and the Freedom of Information Act 1982. The department will not disclose personal information to a third party without consent. You will be advised and consulted if any requests for personal information are made.

📌 Chief Magistrate and Magistrate (Kingston)
🏢 Australian Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development
📍 Kingston