Chief Justice Martin to retire

Western Australia’s Chief Justice Wayne Martin will stand down after more than 12 years in the role.

Chief Justice Martin will finish work in July after being appointed to the job in 2006, and said renewal within the Supreme Court of Western Australia was needed.

“I have always held the view that the administration of justice in this state is best served by regular renewal of the occupants of senior offices within that system, and so now is the time for me to put that view into effect,” he said

The chief Justice has overseen a number of significant developments within the court, including the introduction of the commercial and managed cases list to speed up, reduce costs and simplify civil cases, modernising rules of the Supreme Court and promoting the use of mediation.

Other notable changes include increasing transparency through publishing sentencing remarks online, modernising management structures within the court and creating a judicial committee to advise on the appointment of senior counsel.

“It has been a demanding and challenging role, but also an extremely rewarding one – one that has reinforced my faith in our strong and independent justice system,” the Chief Justice said.

“I have especially enjoyed the opportunity of meeting members of the community around our great State and hearing their views about how our justice system might be improved.”

Attorney General John Quigley paid tribute to Chief Justice Martin.

"His Honour has dedicated more than four decades of his professional life to the justice system, and I thank him for his outstanding and substantial contribution to law reform in Western Australia,” Mr Quigley said

"His Honour has made a significant contribution, not only in his judgements but to the wider community.

"His Honour has conducted his long career on the bench with courtesy and respect, and will be fondly remembered for his unwavering commitment to modernise WA's justice system.”

Chief Justice Martin graduated with a bachelor of laws in 1973 from The University of Western Australia and completed a masters of laws at the University of London in 1975.

He was admitted to practise in WA in 1977 and was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1993.