Magistrate Ellen Skinner appointed President of the Children’s Court

The Acting President of the Children’s Court of NSW has been officially appointed to the position for a five-year term.

Magistrate Ellen Skinner had been acting in the role since September, when the former President of the Children’s Court Judge Peter Johnstone was elevated to Chief Magistrate of the Local Court of NSW. Today she was appointed President and elevated to the bench of the District Court.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said Magistrate Skinner’s “experience, skills and knowledge will be a huge asset in this role”.

“Magistrate Skinner has many years of experience as a solicitor and a magistrate, as well as a long-established commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families who come before the Children’s Court,” he said.

“Her Honour also brings to the role a wealth of experience from across the legal system. She has served as Managing Solicitor at the Aboriginal Legal Service and also worked at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Legal Aid.”

Magistrate Skinner was admitted to the legal profession in 1999, having graduated from the Australian National University in Arts and Law. She is a member of the Newcastle Law School Advisory Board.