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 Ferguson was appointed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria in October 2017, having been first appointed as a judge of Trial Division of the Court in 2010.

 

Chief Judge of the County Court of Victoria

The Honourable Chief Judge Peter Kidd was formally sworn in as the Chief Judge of the County Court of Victoria on 28 September 2015.

 

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

His Honour Judge John Cain was appointed a Judge of the County Court of Victoria and State Coroner on 2 December 2019.

 

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.