The NT Government has appointed three new acting judges to the Territory’s Local Court

Three acting Judges have been appointed to the Territory’s lower courts, but only one is set to help with the increased court demand. Find out who they are.

The CLP Government has welcomed the appointment of three experienced Acting Judges to the Local Court.

Three new acting judges have been appointed to the Territory’s Local Court, but only one will actually assist with the increased court demand.

Sally Ozolins and Steve Ledek will serve during the absence of two judges who are on leave, while Giles O’Brien-Hartcher has been appointed to assist with the increasing demand on the Court.

Sally Ozolins outside the Alice Springs Local Court during an inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker. Picture: Jason Walls

Mr Ledek and Mr O’Brien-Hartcher commenced their appointments last week, with Ms Ozolins set to join later this month.

Ms Ozolins was admitted to the NT Supreme Court in 2002 and the High Court of Australia in 2006, and has served in roles including Crown Prosecutor and Deputy Coroner.

Prosecutor Steve Ledek arrives at Darwin Local Court. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Ledek began his legal career in 2005 as an NT Courts Registrar and served as Senior Crown Prosecutor with the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for 15 years.

Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby declined to comment on Mr Ledek’s relationship with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro’s husband.

“I won’t entertain that,” she said.

Matt Wright's lawyer Giles O'Brien-Hartcher arrives at the Darwin Local Court. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr O’Brien-Hartcher has been practising law in the Territory since 2005 and was a former senior lawyer and appeals manager at NAAJA.

Ms Boothby said she anticipated an increased demand on the courts in the coming months.

This masthead has recently reported of chaos in Darwin’s Local Court after the introduction of Declan’s Law, with 31 people in police custody who were not ready to have their matters heard.

“These appointments are part of our broader commitment to ensure the system has the resources to meet these challenges,” he said.

“This is not a ‘set and forget’ approach. We are continuing to work closely with the courts to provide the necessary support to manage cases efficiently and ensure justice for victims.”

Ms Boothby said the acting judges will help keep violent criminals off the streets. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Boothby said the acting judges would serve indefinitely.

“We will ensure that we continue to monitor what is happening in the courts,” she said.

“So if that means having the judges there for the long term then we will.”

She said she did not know how much the judges would cost taxpayers or if they were on temporary contracts.

“That’s up to the government’s employer rather than me as Attorney-General,” she said.

“But what I can say is that as we monitor this situation … we will look to put in even more resources that will be able to handle the number of offenders coming forward.”

Originally published as The NT Government has appointed three new acting judges to the Territory’s Local Court