She has pushed for better work conditions, leadership opportunities for women
The Victorian government has announced the appointment of Liberty Sanger, a judge of the County Court of Victoria since January 2024, as the new state coroner as of 1 September 2025.
Sonya Kilkenny, Victorian attorney-general, congratulated Sanger on her appointment and highlighted her broad experience within the justice system.
“Judge Sanger’s rich knowledge of the justice system and her dedication to the community makes her an excellent fit for this important role in our legal system,” Kilkenny said in the news release from the Victorian government.
The Judicial College of Victoria also expressed warm congratulations to Sanger on her appointment. In a news release, the college said it looked forward to the insight and experience she would contribute as a new member of its board, in her capacity as state coroner.
At the County Court, Sanger has focused on civil cases in the common law division and managed the WorkCover list for workplace injury claims.
Victoria’s news release emphasised Sanger’s efforts to improve women’s work conditions and increase their leadership opportunities. In particular, she was:
Sanger received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021 for her contributions and services to the law and the Law Institute of Victoria’s Mentor of the Year award in 2018.
Before her County Court appointment, she served in numerous roles with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers from 1997–24. Specifically, she was the personal injuries law division’s national head, a board member from 2008–19, and the diversity and inclusion steering committee’s chair.
The Victorian government noted that, as state coroner, Sanger will oversee coronial services across the state.
John Cain, Sanger’s predecessor, became state coroner in October 2019 and has since rejoined the County Court as a judge.
In its news release, the Judicial College of Victoria expressed gratitude to Judge Cain for his work, steady counsel, and commitment to judicial education. The college called him a valued member of its board.
“I would also like to sincerely thank Judge John Cain for his thoughtful and diligent contributions as the State Coroner over almost six years,” Kilkenny said in Victoria’s news release.
