Expressions of interest are being sought from today for two full-time magistrates to be based in the North West of Tasmania.
The call for expressions of interest follows the resignation of Melanie Bartlett, which will take effect from 31 December 2015.
Advertisements calling for expressions of interest have been published in newspapers today.
These appointments will mean the North West has three full-time Magistrates.
There are currently two full-time magistrates on the North West and in addition, Launceston based magistrates have been sitting in Devonport 5 days per fortnight on a circuit basis since February this year.
To be eligible for appointment, a candidate must be an Australian lawyer within the meaning of the Legal Profession Act 2007 with not less than 5 years' experience as a legal practitioner. A person is not eligible for appointment as a magistrate if he or she has attained the age of 72 years.
A set of criteria have been developed to assist in assessing the suitability of potential appointees. These criteria are available on the Department of Justice website www.justice.tas.gov.au.
The appointment will be made in accordance with the Tasmanian Government’s Judicial Appointments Protocol which is also available on the Department of Justice website http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/corporate/policies/protocol_for_judicial_appointments.
Applications close Friday 23 October 2015.