The ACT Government has marked the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson, paying tribute to her contribution to the Territory’s justice system and more than three decades of service to the legal profession.

Justice Loukas-Karlsson was appointed to the ACT Supreme Court in 2018 and has presided over a wide range of complex civil and criminal matters. The government said she played an important role in the development of ACT jurisprudence and was widely respected for her independence, fairness and compassion.

Before joining the Bench, Justice Loukas-Karlsson built a distinguished career at the criminal bar, serving as Senior Counsel, a Public Defender and a Crown Prosecutor. Her work included advocacy in human rights, women’s rights and access to justice.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr thanked Justice Loukas-Karlsson for her service, describing her career as one marked by “unwavering integrity, intellectual rigour and a deep commitment to justice”.

“Her judgments, her leadership within the court, and her compassion for those who appear before it have left a profound and enduring mark on our legal system,” he said.

Attorney-General Tara Cheyne said Justice Loukas-Karlsson had been a role model within the profession, particularly for women in law.

“Her legacy will be felt for many years to come,” Ms Cheyne said.

Chief Justice Lucy McCallum said Justice Loukas-Karlsson was admired not only for her judicial work, but also for her leadership and mentorship within the legal community.

“As a jurist, her Honour has sought to practice the virtues admired by the Stoics: wisdom, courage and justice,” Chief Justice McCallum said.

In a statement, Justice Loukas-Karlsson said it had been “the honour of my life” to serve on the ACT Supreme Court.

The ACT Government said it would soon begin the process of appointing a new Supreme Court judge.