18 April 2008
NEW JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT: NORFOLK ISLAND
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced the appointment of Justice Garry Downes AM as a judge of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island.
“It is with great pleasure that I announce Justice Downes appointment,” Mr McClelland said.
I know he will make a valuable contribution to the law and to the Norfolk Island community in his new capacity as a member of the Island's Court.”
Justice Downes will undertake his role on the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island on a part-time basis while continuing to hold his office as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia.
Justice Downes has been a judge of the Federal Court and President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal since 2002. A brief biography is attached.
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Justice Garry Downes AM
Prior to his appointment as a judge, Justice Downes practised at the New South Wales Bar. He was called to the bar in 1973 and appointed a Queen’s Counsel in New South Wales in 1983. He was also a member of the English Bar.
His practice concentrated on commercial litigation, administrative law and international arbitration.
Justice Downes has served on international and national organisations in various capacities. He is the immediate past President of the Council of Australasian Tribunals. He served a term as President of the Union Internationale des Advocates.
He is current Co-President of the International Association of Supreme Administrative Jurisdictions.
In 1997 Justice Downes was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the law.