The first District Court judge to live and work in the Central West was appointed on Tuesday in a bid to reduce case backlogs and deliver faster justice.
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Starting in the first-half of next year, freshly sworn-in district court judge Graham Turnbull SC will be the full-time judge at Orange, Bathurst and Parkes
Judge Turnbull was sworn in by District Court of NSW Chief Judge the Honourable Justice Derek Price AM.
NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said Judge Turnbull comes to the bench with a reputation for being one of the finest criminal barristers in NSW.
The flow on effect of more crimes being solved is additional work for our courts, which is an issue we are addressing through extra resources, innovative case management and law reform.
- NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman
“He has served his clients and the court with absolute distinction for some 35 years,” Mr Speakman said.
“His experience both in Australia and overseas in some of the most high-profile criminal cases of the last quarter of a century will mean Judge Turnbull will be an invaluable asset to the District Court bench.”
Among the cases he worked on as a barrister was representing Lin family murderer Robert Xie and Former former Ryde mayor Ivan Petch in a blackmail trial.
Judge Turnbull is one of seven new judges appointed to the District Court under the NSW Government’s $148 million package to help the state’s courts manage increasing demand.
“The District Court will now have a record 75 permanent judges, which will help ease the pressure in areas like the Central West that have significant caseloads,” Mr Speakman said.
“While crime is generally falling or stable across NSW, the number of people being charged with serious offences is rising as a result of increasing police numbers and better crime-fighting technology.
“The flow on effect of more crimes being solved is additional work for our courts, which is an issue we are addressing through extra resources, innovative case management and law reform.”
NSW Nationals candidate for Orange Kate Hazelton said the new appointment would result in more efficient administration of justice and reduced stress for victims, witnesses and defendants.
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