She has become the County Court’s first female chief judge
Justice Amanda Chambers was appointed both as a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria and as chief judge of the County Court of Victoria on 27 May 2025, which is the first simultaneous appointment of its kind.
A news release from Victoria’s premier highlighted that Chambers is the County Court’s first female chief judge. Chambers replaces Peter Kidd, her predecessor in the office of chief judge, who accepted an appointment to the Court of Appeal earlier this year.
The premier’s news release shared that Chambers’ deep legal experience spans Victoria’s criminal and civil justice systems and includes service as a judicial officer for almost two decades.
Chambers acted as a part-time commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission from 2008–12. In this role, she made law reform contributions and handled references relating to jury directions, child protection, and guardianship laws, according to a news release from the Judicial College of Victoria.
Before her appointment to the County Court’s bench, she worked as a magistrate of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria from 2006–15. In this position, she presided over criminal, civil, and family violence cases.
Chambers joined the County Court as a judge on 9 June 2015, led the court’s criminal division beginning in 2024, and oversaw serious criminal cases across Victoria in this role.
She acted as president of the Children’s Court of Victoria from 2015–21. In this position, she worked on reforms to help children and families achieve better results in their interactions with the justice system.
Also from 2015–21, Chambers was a member of the Judicial Commission of Victoria and the Judicial College of Victoria. In its news release, the Judicial College shared that Chambers regularly contributed to its programs and events as a member of its board, as a presenter, and as a participant.
The Judicial College noted that, as the County Court’s chief judge, she has rejoined the Judicial College’s board. The Judicial College said it was anticipating continuing to interact with Chambers in her new role.
The Judicial College of Victoria added that a welcome ceremony celebrating Chambers’ appointment will take place in Court 3-3 at the County Court on 250 William Street, Melbourne, at 9:15 am on Thursday, 19 June 2025.
“With decades of experience and proven leadership, Chief Judge Chambers is well placed to lead the County Court,” said Sonya Kilkenny, Victoria’s attorney-general, in the premier’s news release. “I congratulate her on her appointment.”
In its news release, the Victoria Supreme Court likewise congratulated Chambers on her simultaneous appointments.
“I also thank Justice Peter Kidd for his outstanding leadership and contribution to Victoria’s justice system during his time as Chief Judge,” Kilkenny said in the Victoria premier’s news release.
