Niall takes over for Anne Ferguson, who retires in February 2025
Richard Niall has been announced as the new chief justice of the Victoria Supreme Court.
Niall takes the place of Anne Ferguson, who retires in February 2025. His swearing-in ceremony as the 13th chief justice of the court will be held next year.
“Justice Niall brings a wealth of experience to the role and I’m confident the Court is in good hands. I know the Court, the profession and the community will be very well served by this appointment”, Ferguson said.
Niall was appointed a judge of appeal of the Supreme Court in 2017. He presided over criminal and civil appeals and trial division matters.
He was named solicitor general of Victoria in 2015, and prior to this was a senior counsel at the Victorian Bar. He specialised in constitutional and administrative law, and took silk in November 2010.
Niall has appeared before the High Court in matters of human rights and environmental law.
“It is my pleasure to appoint Justice Niall as chief justice – he is highly regarded and has contributed significantly on the Court of Appeal and as solicitor-general. His deep understanding of the law and extensive experience will ensure that the Supreme Court continues to deliver fair and effective justice for all Victorians”, Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said.
Newly appointed Victorian Bar President Justin Hannebery KC praised the appointment.
“We are very proud that Justice Niall is a member of our Bar and congratulate him on this excellent appointment. Justice Niall is an outstanding jurist, who will no doubt continue to make a substantial contribution to the Supreme Court”, Hannebery said. “Justice Niall has been an outstanding contributor and one of the nation’s leading advocates across a number of areas of law and this appointment will be of significant benefit to the legal profession and Victorian community”.
Niall has received accolades for his work with refugees and asylum seekers, including the inaugural International Commission of Jurists (Victoria) John A Gibson AM Award for Distinguished Human Rights and Refugee Advocacy in 2014; the Victorian Bar Public Interest Justice Innovation Award and the Australian Human Rights Commission Law Award (awarded jointly with RILC, Allens Arthur Robinson and Chief Justice Debbie Mortimer) in 2011.
Hannebery also thanked Ferguson for her tenure in the role, highlighting her “incredible contribution to the court” in that time. Echoing the sentiments, Symes thanked Ferguson for her “exemplary service and leadership to the Victorian justice system”.
