Welcome our new Chair, The Hon Chief Justice Diana Bryant

The Hon Joseph Kay has recommended that the Hon Chief Justice Diana Bryant be appointed as the new Chair. Chief Justice Bryant was born in Perth, Western Australia and attended Firbank Girls' Grammar School in Melbourne. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Melbourne University, and a Master of Laws degree from Monash University.           

From 1977 to 1990, Chief Justice Bryant was a partner with the firm of Phillips Fox in Perth where she practiced as a solicitor and counsel specialising in family law. She was also a Director of Australian Airlines from 1984 to 1989.  From May 2000 she was the inaugural Chief Federal Magistrate of Australia, the head of the Federal Magistrates' Court, thus being the first woman appointed to the position.

Prior to her appointment, Chief Justice Bryant had practiced at the Victorian Bar from 1990 where she specialised in family law and de facto property disputes, particularly at the appellate level. She was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1997 and was a founding member of Chancery Chambers, Melbourne.  Her Honour has long been committed to advocating on behalf of women in the legal profession, having been a founding member of the Women Lawyers Association of Western Australia. In February 2009 Chief Justice Bryant was appointed Patron of Australian Women Lawyers, after founding Patron Mary Gaudron QC, in recognition of her support for women lawyers and efforts to promote equality of opportunity for women in the community.

Chief Justice Bryant retired as Chief Justice on 12 October 2017 reaching the constitutional retirement age of 70.  She has continued her deep interest in family law, particularly matters affecting children and families and has long advised the Foundation on family law related matters. We are thrilled that she is taking on this role and look forward to welcoming her to both NCAB and the Foundation.

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