Justice Rowena Orr: Victoria Court of Appeal President Takes Office

• Justice Rowena Orr has been formally appointed as the fourth President of the Victoria Court of Appeal.
• She committed to intellectual rigour, public service, improved justice administration, and open communication with the legal profession.
• High Court Justices Michelle Gordon and Simon Steward, and former Chief Justice Anne Ferguson, attended her ceremonial sitting.
• Chief Justice Richard Niall praised her as a judge of the highest calibre, emphasizing the Court of Appeal's strong legacy.
• Her appointment, announced by Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, is effective September 29, 2026, succeeding Karin Emerton.

Justice Orr has articulated a clear vision for her tenure, emphasizing intellectual rigour, a commitment to public service, and the crucial role of transparent communication with the legal profession and the broader community.

Justice Rowena Orr has formally taken up her position as the fourth President of the Victoria Court of Appeal, marking a significant transition in the state's appellate judiciary. During a ceremonial sitting held in the Banco Court, Justice Orr articulated her perspective on the court's strength, highlighting the diverse professional and personal backgrounds of its members. She emphasized a collaborative approach to her new role, stating her intention to engage with her colleagues to identify avenues for enhancing the court's operational efficiency in the coming months.

The event saw the attendance of several prominent legal figures, including High Court of Australia Justices Michelle Gordon and Simon Steward, alongside Anne Ferguson, the former Chief Justice of Victoria. Richard Niall, the Chief Justice of the Victoria Supreme Court, offered high praise for Justice Orr, describing her as a judge of the "highest calibre" and a person possessing "great humanity and judgment." Justice Orr, for her part, acknowledged the profound "privilege and responsibility" inherent in leading the Court of Appeal, underscoring her serious commitment to the role.

In her address, Justice Rowena Orr outlined a clear commitment to intellectual rigour and dedicated service to the Victorian community. She articulated that a deep commitment to public service is a central motivator for the judges comprising the Court of Appeal. Justice Orr stressed that public trust in the judiciary's work is not a given, and a vital aspect of their duty involves not only the administration of justice but also its clear explanation to the community.

Justice Orr has articulated a clear vision for her tenure, emphasizing intellectual rigour, a commitment to public service, and the crucial role of transparent communication with the legal profession and the broader community. She also pledged to pursue an improved administration of justice, recognizing the legal fraternity as the fundamental "backbone" of the state's justice system. Furthermore, she underscored the importance of proactive engagement and open communication between the court, the legal profession, other jurisdictions, and the wider community, acknowledging that the Court of Appeal reviews only a fraction of cases and relies heavily on the extensive work performed by practitioners and judicial officers in both appealed and unappealed matters.

Chief Justice Richard Niall conveyed his approval of Justice Orr's appointment to the appellate court's leadership, speaking on behalf of the judges and staff of the Supreme Court of Victoria. He reflected on the Victoria Court of Appeal's distinguished legacy since its establishment in 1995, noting its continuation of the high repute previously held by the Full Court of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Niall further highlighted the Court of Appeal's significant contributions to enhancing the jurisprudence of both the state and the nation across all its operational areas, encompassing both civil and criminal jurisdictions.

Victoria's Attorney-General, Sonya Kilkenny, previously announced Justice Orr's appointment, confirming that the former state solicitor-general will succeed Karin Emerton. This significant Australian judicial appointment is slated to become effective on September 29, 2026. In a related development, the Victoria Supreme Court also announced on September 15, 2026, the release of a new practice note designed for litigants representing themselves in civil proceedings, alongside an updated practice note detailing customs, protocols, and communication guidelines for interactions with the court.

Lawyers practicing in Victoria's appellate courts should be aware of the new leadership and Justice Orr's stated commitments to intellectual rigour, improved administration of justice, and open communication with the legal profession, which may influence future court procedures or engagement strategies for practitioners.

Source: Original reporting via legal news publication