Marcus Hassall and Lucinda Wilson have been appointed Special Magistrates to the ACT Magistrates Court for three years.

Special Magistrates can be deployed by the Chief Magistrate to cover leave, conflicts, or fluctuations in workload.

Mr Hassall stepped down as President of the ACT Bar Association to take the rôle. He has had nearly 30 years of experience in the legal profession across various jurisdictions, including 13 years with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and 12 years at the Bar in the ACT.

Ms Wilson has had a distinguished career as a barrister and public prosecutor in NSW, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania. Until recently, she served as Senior Member at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Ms Wilson will begin her three-year term on 11 March, and Ms Hassall his on 2 April. They were appointed following a competitive recruitment process late last year.

Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said the Special Magistrates’ appointments would help deliver on the ACT’s commitment to accessible and timely justice.

“Their extensive legal experience and demonstrated expertise will be invaluable assets to our justice system, ensuring the fair and efficient administration of the law for the Canberra community,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“These appointments will provide flexibility to the Magistrates Court in responding to increased cases in certain jurisdictions and support the backfilling of leave arrangements.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to a strong legal system that serves Canberrans’ needs.”

Brodie Buckland succeeds Mr Hassall as President of the ACT Bar Association. Mr Hassall will remain on Bar Council as immediate past president for up to a year, and will also remain a Class A member of the Association.