CHIEF Magistrate John Burns will replace Justice Malcolm Gray as a judge of the ACT Supreme Court.

The announcement comes as no surprise – rumours of the appointment have been rife for months within Canberra’s legal circles.  Magistrate Karen Fryar is rumoured to take over the position of chief magistrate.

ACT Law Society president Athol Opas said John Burns brings a wealth of knowledge to the bench and will make an excellent judge.

“The ACT Law Society congratulates John Burns on being selected for appointment as Judge of the ACT Supreme Court,” Mr Opas said. “John Burns has served extensively as both Magistrate and Chief Magistrate in Canberra. He has had a distinguished legal career, and his abilities are well respected by the Canberra legal profession.”

Mr Burns, an experienced solicitor and barrister, began serving as a magistrate and coroner in the ACT in 1990. Prior to the role of Chief Magistrate, Mr Burns had extensive experience within the court across civil and criminal matters.

He served on the ACT Children’s Court and as list co-ordinating magistrate responsible for case management processes in all criminal matters in the Magistrates and Children’s Courts.

He has served as a presidential member on a number of tribunals including; the mental health tribunal; guardianship and management of property tribunal; discrimination tribunal; health professions tribunal and credit tribunal. He has also been a member of the ACT courts rules committee.