Event: In Conversation

Current challenges facing the courts

Speakers

• The Honourable Chief Justice Debbie Mortimer
  Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia
• The Honourable Chief Justice Richard Niall
  Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria
• The Honourable Justice Melinda Richards
  Supreme Court of Victoria (Facilitator)

In this ‘In Conversation’ event, Chief Justice Debbie Mortimer and Chief Justice Richard Niall, facilitated by Justice Melinda Richards, will discuss current issues facing the Courts. Their Honours will speak on topics including increasing judicial workloads, the complexity and cost of litigation, as well as financial pressures on courts and technology.

Chief Justice Mortimer was appointed Chief Justice of the Federal Court in 2023. Prior to her appointment to the Federal Court, Chief Justice Mortimer was a member of the Victorian Bar.

Chief Justice Niall was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2025. Previous to his Honour’s judicial career, Chief Justice Niall was a member of the Victorian Bar and served as Solicitor-General of Victoria.

Justice Richards was appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2018. Preceding this, her Honour was a member of the Victorian Bar and Crown Counsel for Victoria.