New president for the State Administrative Tribunal

Attorney General John Quigley has announced the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Janine Pritchard as president of the State Administrative Tribunal for a five-year term, effective from June 4 2019.

Justice Pritchard joined the Crown Solicitor’s Office (now the State Solicitor’s Office) in 1991 and was admitted to practice in 1993.

She worked at the office until she was appointed to the District Court of Western Australia in 2009.

In 2010, Justice Pritchard joined the Supreme Court of Western Australia as a judge and in 2018 she was appointed as a judge of the Court of Appeal.

Attorney General John Quigley said he was delighted a jurist of the calibre of Justice Pritchard would steer the SAT well into the next decade, giving the community renewed confidence in the tribunal.

“Justice Pritchard will become the first woman to serve as president of this crucial arm of WA’s justice system since the inception of the tribunal 14 years ago,” Mr Quigley said.

“Justice Pritchard will join other women at the helm of the state’s justice system, including Justice Gail Sutherland at the Family Court of WA, Judge Julie Wager at the Children’s Court and State Coroner Ros Fogliani.

“I would like to also thank both of the existing deputy presidents of the tribunal who have continued to provide dedicated service to the state in the period since the former president, Justice Curthoys, returned to the Supreme Court.

“In particular, I acknowledge deputy president Sharp who has carried out the role of acting president during that time.”

Law Society president Greg McIntyre congratulated Justice Pritchard on her appointment.

“Her Honour has made a significant contribution to the Law Society’s continuing professional development program, sharing her knowledge and experience with fellow practitioners," Mr McIntyre said.

“Justice Pritchard has served as a judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia since 2010, and I have no doubt that her honour will continue to serve our community in this new role with characteristic skill, sound judgement and impartiality.”

Justice Pritchard has a bachelor of laws (honours) and a bachelor of arts from the Australian Nation University, a master of laws (with distinction) from the University of London and a graduate diploma in women’s studies from Murdoch University.