1 April 2021

The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia welcome much needed judicial appointments
The Family Court of Australia (FCoA) and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia (FCC) welcome the Government’s announcement today of the following judicial appointments;
•	Judge Paul Howard, elevated from the FCC to the FCoA, Brisbane.
•	Barrister Jonathan Davis QC, appointed to the FCC, Melbourne.
•	Barrister Jennifer Howe, appointed to the FCC, Melbourne.
•	Senior Registrar Colin Campbell, appointed to the FCC, Sydney.
All appointments commence on 6 April 2021. 
Judge Howard has been a judge of the FCC in Brisbane since 2007, is highly experienced in family law and will now join the Family Court. Melbourne Barrister, Jonathan Davis QC has over 25 years’ experience as a superior court advocate in commercial law, employment/industrial law, migration and administrative law and he will be based in Melbourne sitting on general federal law matters.  Highly regarded Melbourne Barrister, Ms Jennifer Howe is a family law specialist and is well known for her strong practice and professionalism as Counsel for the Independent Children’s Lawyer in many complex matters. Senior Registrar Campbell has been a Registrar with the Courts for many years, most recently as a Senior Registrar. Senior Registrar Campbell will be based in both Wollongong and Sydney and will be a marvellous addition to both Registries.
The Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia and Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, the Hon Will Alstergren welcomed the new appointments.
“These appointments come at a critical time for the Courts as they undertake significant reforms to facilitate the amalgamation of the two Courts, including a single point of entry and harmonised rules forms and case management, which commences from 1 September this year. In addition to this historic change, the Courts will continue to focus on initiatives aimed at reducing delays and enhancing risk assessment in family law matters.
“Now, perhaps more so than ever before, the Courts are determined to continue to focus on reducing delays and placing significant priority on the health and safety of families involved in parenting disputes. This includes the identification of risk at the earliest time in family law proceedings to protect vulnerable parties and children.”
“Each Judge brings to the Courts their enormous skill, professionalism and diligence, both in family law and in general federal law and the appointment of such incredibly well respected practitioners further compliments the current cohort of outstanding and dedicated judges of the Courts.”