- Sarah Oliver, Cillian Stockdale, Matthew Holgate and Michelle Harries appointed Magistrates
- Two of the four positions created under Justice Pipeline Project
- The new Magistrates will be based in regional and metropolitan locations
Attorney General John Quigley has bolstered the Magistrates Court of Western Australia through the appointment of four Magistrates.
Two of the new Magistrates will fill vacancies while the other appointments were funded and approved under the Justice Pipeline Project, the 2017 McGowan Labor Government initiative to deliver a more efficient and cost-effective justice system.
Michelle Harries has 24 years of experience in the State's legal system and as an educator. While working for Legal Aid Western Australia she set up the service's Drug Court unit and was the first Drug Court lawyer in WA.
Sarah Oliver is an experienced barrister and legal educator, as well as a member of the Western Australian Amateur Football League's Competition and Integrity Committee and the Liquor Commission of Western Australia.
Cillian Stockdale, a former WA State Prosecutor, has been a senior advocate at the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia and travelled extensively in regional Western Australia, doing trial and related work including in remote Aboriginal communities.
Matthew Holgate, also a former WA State Prosecutor, has appeared as counsel in more than 75 jury trials and worked as a lawyer in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Ms Oliver, Mr Stockdale and Mr Holgate will commence their appointments on August 18, 2021 and Ms Harries on August 30, 2021.
Comments attributed to Attorney General John Quigley:
"I am very pleased to announce the appointments of Ms Harries, Ms Oliver, Mr Stockdale and Mr Holgate as Magistrates.
"Aside from her outstanding work at Legal Aid, Ms Harries has considerable investigative experience at a senior level at the Corruption and Crime Commission and the Royal Commission into WA Police. Her leadership and skills will be an asset to the Court.
"Ms Oliver has appeared as counsel in the Federal Court, Supreme Court and Administrative Appeals Tribunal. She was the Principal Federal Prosecutor (Complex Litigator) at the office of the Commonwealth DPP.
"Mr Stockdale was admitted to practice in Western Australia in 2006, was a State Prosecutor for several years at the DPP and has significant experience acting for Aboriginal clients facing serious and complex criminal charges.
"Mr Holgate has been a criminal defence lawyer, acted as Principal Legal Counsel for WA Police and served on the board of the Mental Health Law Centre and as an Independent Prison Visitor for the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services.
"I congratulate all four new Magistrates on their appointments. They bring a rich variety of experience to the Magistrate's Court and will be valuable members of the judiciary."
Attorney General's office - 6552 6800
