Attorney General John Quigley is pleased to announce the appointment of former Supreme Court Judge Lindy Jenkins to the Law Reform Commission of Western Australia.
Ms Jenkins has been elected to head of the Commission and joins current members Dr Sarah Murray and Ms Kirsten Chivers to form the first all-female Commission since it its inception in 1972.
The Law Reform Commission plays a vital role in the development of WA’s legislation by considering areas of law and making recommendations that are independent and evidence-based.
Ms Jenkins previously served on the Law Reform Commission of WA as a part-time member from the WA Crown Solicitor’s Office from 1999-2001 when the Hon Wayne Martin AC QC, former Chief Justice, was Chair of the Commission.
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Lindy Jenkins to the Law Reform Commission of Western Australia.
“The role of the Commission as the body for keeping the law up-to-date and relevant is a crucial part of a fair, modern and just legal system. Ms Jenkins will be a valuable addition to this role given her length and depth of experience in our justice system.
“Ms Jenkins is a recently retired judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia. When she retired in January of this year, she was the longest serving member of the WA judicial bench having been appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court in 2004 and judge of the District Court in 2001.
“After working in New South Wales and the Northern Territory, Ms Jenkins relocated to WA in 1989 to work with the Crown Solicitor’s Office, now known as the State Solicitor’s Office. She held various legal positions including Deputy Crown Counsel.
“During that time, she appeared in all courts in WA, as well as the Federal and High Courts, and advised many departments and successive Governments.
“Of particular note was her role in instructing on WA’s Sentencing Act 1995 and her membership of the Model Criminal Code Committee, which prepared the basis for the Commonwealth Criminal Code.
“On behalf of the WA Parliament I thank Dr David Cox for his service to Western Australia over the past six years.
“Dr Cox served as part-time member and Chair of the Commission and had an active role in multiple law reform references during his tenure, including a comprehensive review of the Firearms Act 1973 which garnered community feedback of well over a thousand submissions.
“Ms Jenkins will be a valuable addition to the Commission and I wish the Commission well under Ms Jenkins’ leadership.”
Attorney General’s office – 6552 6800
