Appointment of new magistrate

Colonel Peter Morrison RFD has been announced as the newest appointment to the ACT Magistrates Court, by Attorney General, Simon Corbell, today.

"Colonel Morrison will join the Magistrates Court to fill the position made vacant by the impending retirement of Magistrate Maria Doogan," Mr Corbell said.

"Colonel Morrison brings with him extensive experience in the field of criminal law and has undertaken roles as a Military Judge and then as a Judge Advocate and Defence Force Magistrate.

"Colonel Morrison's military experience provides him with extensive knowledge of the ACT criminal law and generally of criminal legal principles."

Prior to these roles, Colonel Morrison worked in private legal practice in Queensland for 26 years. Colonel Morrison practiced across a broad range of areas, including administrative law, contract and commercial law, trade practices including restrictive trade practices and competition law, criminal law, company law and corporate governance, personal injury, property law and land title.

Colonel Morrison's civil law knowledge and background will be particularly relevant to matters to be heard in the increased Magistrates Court civil jurisdiction.

Mr Corbell said that the government had acted quickly to fill the position so that there was little or no, overlap when Magistrate Doogan retires at the end of March, 2012.

"It is in the best interests of the court to have this position finalised and Colonel Morrison begin his position shortly after the departure of Magistrate Doogan next month," Mr Corbell said.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Magistrate Doogan for her long and distinguished service to the ACT community, and wish her well in her retirement."

A formal ceremony to thank Magistrate Doogan for her service will take place in due course.

"I congratulate Colonel Morrison on his appointment and I am confident that he will serve the Canberra community well in his new role," Mr Corbell said.