Louise Taylor set to become Australia’s first female Indigenous Supreme Court judge

Callan Morse Published July 27, 2023 at 11.00am (AWST)

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Justice Taylor joins the Supreme Court as a long-time Canberran, becoming the first Aboriginal resident judge in ACT jurisdiction. (Image: Albert McKnight)

Proud Kamilaroi woman Louise Taylor is set to become Australia's first female Indigenous Supreme Court judge.

It comes as the long-time Canberra resident and current Australian Capital Territory Magistrate was appointed as the Territory's sixth Supreme Court judge on Wednesday.

Making history for the second time after being appointed as the ACT's first Indigenous magistrate in 2018, Justice Taylor said she was "very honoured to have the privilege to serve the community" as a Supreme Court judge.

"This is, of course, a very proud day for my family and I, and I hope a very proud day for First Nations people, in particular First Nations women," she said, via ABC.

"At my appointment, I'm conscious of the significance of it and I'm very proud to accept this appointment."

ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said Justice Taylor has displayed excellency in her five years serving the ACT Magistrates Court,

"Magistrate Taylor brings to the Supreme Court a wealth of knowledge and expertise, having represented the most vulnerable members of our community in complex matters," Attorney-General Rattenbury said.

"Having served on the ACT Magistrates Court since 2018, Magistrate Taylor has spent the past five years exhibiting her proficiency in both civil and criminal law matters, displaying a commitment to fairness, impartiality, and open-mindedness.

Justice Taylor said she is eager to work alongside ACT Chief Justice Lucy McCallum (left). (Image: ACT Government)

"Her background as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ACT Legal Aid, together with her roles with the ACT and Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, further accentuate her exceptional expertise and knowledge of the legal system."

Mr Rattenbury also commended Justice Taylor as a positive role model for Indigenous people.

"We're very delighted that, as a Kamilaroi woman, she has not only had an outstanding legal career but she will also represent Aboriginal people and be a role model for young lawyers coming through to understand how far they can progress with their careers, and hopefully that provides a source of inspiration."

Justice Taylor has previously held roles including deputy CEO of ACT Legal and Aid and positions within the ACT and Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

ACT Chief Justice Lucy McCallum said she is looking forward to welcoming Magistrate Taylor to the Supreme Court.

"I have no doubt that Louise's dedication to upholding the rule of law, combined with her invaluable experience, will contribute to the continued delivery of justice in our community," Chief Justice McCallum said.

"It is pleasing to welcome her to the Supreme Court as a long-time Canberran and as the first Aboriginal Resident Judge in this jurisdiction."

"The ACT Supreme Court is committed to fostering an inclusive and representative judiciary that reflects the diversity of the community it serves, so we look forward very much to serving alongside Magistrate Taylor."

Justice Taylor is expected to be sworn in next month.