Members of the Courts Council

The Courts Council is CSV's governing body and comprises the Heads of each of the six jurisdictions, and up to two independent members appointed by the Council. The Council is chaired by the Chief Justice of the day.

 

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria

The Honourable Chief Justice Niall was appointed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria on 3 February 2025.

 

 

Chief Judge of the County Court of Victoria

The Honourable Justice Amanda Chambers was appointed Chief Judge of the County Court of Victoria in May 2025 following appointment as a Judge of the County Court of Victoria in 2015, serving as the President of the Children's Court from 2015 to 2021.

 

 

Chief Magistrate of the Magistrates' Court of Victoria

The Honourable Justice Lisa Hannan commenced as Chief Magistrate on 17 November 2019 following appointment as a Judge of the County Court of Victoria in 2006, and having served as a Magistrate for eight years prior to 2006.

 

 

President, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

The Honourable Justice Edward (Ted) Woodward was appointed as President of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on 1 July 2023, having been appointed to the Supreme Court on 5 June 2023.

 

 

State Coroner, Coroners Court

Her Honour Judge Liberty Sanger OAM was appointed as the State Coroner of Victoria on 1 September 2025, following appointment as a Judge of the County Court of Victoria in January 2024.

 

 

President of the Children's Court

His Honour Judge Jack Vandersteen was appointed a Judge of the County Court of Victoria and President of the Children's Court of Victoria on 1 January 2021.

 

 

Independent Member

Ms Susan Friend is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in finance, governance, audit and risk management. Ms Friend is a director of Sapere Research Group, and she holds a number of board and committee positions in the public sector.

 

 

Independent Member

Ms Pippa Crawford is an experienced non-executive director and strategic advisor with over 25 years in banking, financial services, and capital markets. Her expertise also spans mergers and acquisitions, strategy, and risk management. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science and brings a strong commitment to public sector impact, integrity, and cross-sector collaboration. Ms Crawford is a Director of the Treasury Corporation of Victoria, with previous board appointments that include Chair of Food & Drink Victoria and Director of the Westpac Community Foundation.