Closes: 07 May 2026
Classification: Board/Committee/Council
Position No: Acting Judge of the Supreme of the Australian Capital Territory
Directorate: Independent Statutory Offices including boards, tribunals and committees
Advertised (Gazettal date): 20 April 2026
Contact Officer: Judicial Appointments Appointments Appointments on ***email_hidden*** or (02) 6207 0***
The Attorney-General of the Australian Capital Territory, Tara Cheyne MLA, invites expressions of interest from eligible and suitably qualified people for appointment as Acting Judge of the Supreme of the Australian Capital Territory to preside over the Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List (DASL).
The DASL is a specialist sentencing list designed to support offenders whose criminal behaviour is linked to substance dependence. It combines judicial supervision, structured treatment and evidence-based therapeutic approaches within the framework of the Court’s sentencing function.
The Acting Judge will play a central role in ensuring the List operates with integrity, consistency and a strong focus on community safety and rehabilitation.
The role will be part-time involving no more than four days per week. Acting Judges are appointed by the ACT Executive under section 4B of the Supreme Court Act 1933. Acting judges are appointed for a fixed term of no longer than two years.
Key responsibilities:
* Preside over the DASL including sentencing offenders found suitable to participate in the DASL, holding review hearings for current participants and graduating successful participants.
* Apply the statutory framework governing the List, including relevant provisions of the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989 (ACT) and Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 (ACT).
* Provide clear, consistent judicial supervision that balances therapeutic opportunity with accountability and protection of the community.
* Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary partners, including the community corrections teams, treatment providers, case managers, police and legal practitioners.
* Deliver timely decisions, reasons, and directions that support the effective operation of the List and the broader Court.
* Contribute to the ongoing development, evaluation, and refinement of the List’s practices and procedures.
How to Apply: Written expressions of interest addressing the eligibility requirements and key responsibilities, a current curriculum vitae, personal particulars form, and declarations of private interests should be emailed to ***email_hidden***.
General inquiries should be directed to Mr Ray Johnson, a/g Director-General, Justice and Community Safety Directorate, by email to ***email_hidden*** or on (02) 6207 0***.
Expressions of interest close on 7 May 2026. Late applications may be accepted at the selection panel’s discretion.
Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.
Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.
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Career interest categories
Boards, Committees and Tribunals