Expertise includes family law, commercial litigation, insolvency, and administrative law
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has announced several judicial appointments to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA).
The appointments include promotions within the court’s divisions and the addition of new judges to address the growing caseload.
Joanne Stewart and Anna Parker, both currently serving in the FCFCOA (Division 2), have been appointed to the FCFCOA (Division 1) in the Adelaide registry. Their new roles will commence on 2 June.
Stewart, a graduate of Monash University, has practised family law for decades, including as a barrister before her judicial appointment in 2013. Parker, who holds a doctorate in family law, has an extensive background in legal practice, academia, and judicial service since 2021.
FCFCOA Chief Justice William Alstergren AO welcomed the appointments, highlighting the judges’ extensive experience in family law. He described Stewart as an exemplary judicial officer with decades of experience and recognised her depth of knowledge and diligence. He also commended Parker’s commitment, stating that her skill, temperament, and dedication in the complex area of family law are of the highest standard.
In addition to these promotions, four new judges have been appointed to the FCFCOA (Division 2), with their terms beginning on 1 April. Peter Fary SC, Commissioner Leigh Johns OAM, Mark Cleary and Jane Marquard will serve in the Melbourne, Parramatta, and Sydney registries. Alstergren emphasised that these appointments will strengthen the court’s ability to manage migration cases and other federal law matters. He noted that the breadth and variety of their legal expertise would be well suited to the court’s jurisdiction.
Fary has practised law since 1994, specialising in commercial and insolvency litigation. Johns has held multiple high-level positions in employment law and regulatory bodies, including serving as Fair Work Commissioner since 2013. Cleary has worked in commercial litigation and public law since 1996, and Marquard has built a career spanning corporate, administrative, and migration law, including her recent role as an associate practice leader at the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Alstergren expressed confidence in the appointees, stating that their expertise will support the court’s commitment to providing access to justice.
