Michael Buss QC, one of Western Australia’s top commercial lawyers, has been appointed as a judge of WA’s highest court, the Court of Appeal.
Michael Buss QC, one of Western Australia’s top commercial lawyers, has been appointed as a judge of WA’s highest court, the Court of Appeal.
Attorney-General Jim McGinty said the appointment of Mr Buss as an additional judge to the Court of Appeal would help cope with the extra workload of the court.
Mr Buss will take up his appointment on February 1.
“During 2005, the number of criminal appeals increased by almost 30 per cent, so an extra judge is needed in order to keep the Court of Appeal lists on schedule,” Mr McGinty said.
“Michael Buss QC is an eminent legal mind and is well qualified to fill the role.”
Mr McGinty said Mr Buss would bring a wide range of experience in commercial, mining, administrative and various other areas of law to the court.
After six years working as a solicitor and partner for Muir Williams Nicholson/Freehill Hollingdale and Page, Mr Buss went to the bar in 1987 and was appointed a QC in 1993. He was admitted to practice in WA in 1977.
Mr Buss was appointed counsel assisting in the 1992 Royal Commission and has experience in arbitrations and mediations, as well as acting as a commissioner of the Supreme Court.
The replacement of retiring chief justice, David Malcolm, has not yet been named.
Justice Malcolm announced his retirement in late December, to take up the chair of law faculty at Notre Dame University, and will stand down from the court in February.
Tradition dictates that Justice Malcolm will be replaced by someone senior already within the judiciary, or by a senior QC
Possible candidates include Justice Robert French from the Federal Court, Justice Neville Owen, Justice Christopher Steytler or Justice Christine Wheeler from the Supreme Court, or QCs Wayne Martin and Chris Zelestis.
