The winding back of lockdown restrictions was not the only highlight in the week commencing 11 October 2021. 2 new judges were appointed to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s (FCFCOA) in the Newcastle Registry. They are Ms Vivien Carty and Ms Julie Kearney.
It was a feel good moment at Mullane Lindsay as Ms Carty is a former member of our specialist Family Law team. In 2011 she left our firm to commence a new career as a barrister. We celebrate her appointment and know she will bring great energy and humanity in her new role as a Judge in the FCFCOA in Newcastle. Likewise, Ms Kearney who is a former Registrar of the Family Court, barrister and mediator.
Their appointments and anticipated contributions as Judges in the FCFCOA will benefit the Newcastle, Hunter, Mid Coast and New England regions. They bring the number of Judges in our Registry to a total of 5.
In addition to the appointments, the following changes have been implemented to provide further resources at the Newcastle Registry:
- an additional courtroom and chambers;
- a new case management system; and
- the electronic hearings which became a necessity during the COVID 19 period are being continued so as to increase access to justice for regional areas and to ensure the safety of vulnerable litigants.
We are hopeful that these measures will alleviate some of the pressures on the family court system and benefit those families experiencing relationship breakdown.
