Chris Shanahan has officially taken over as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania.
Appointed to the position in December, Shanahan was sworn in by Governor Barbara Baker during a ceremony at Government House on Monday morning.
He replaces Alan Blow, who retired last year after over two decades on the Supreme Court bench and more than a decade as Chief Justice.
Shanahan was first admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 1984, the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1989 and the High Court of Australia in 1990.
He has never worked as a judge.
Attorney-General and Justice Minister Guy Barnett said Shanahan is the fifteenth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tasmania since its establishment in 1824.
“The Chief Justice has had an extensive and esteemed career over a number of decades,” Barnett said.
“The importance of an independent judiciary and the rule of law are paramount in our modern society.”
“Providing Tasmanians access to justice and confidence in our judiciary are important priorities of our government and the Chief Justice plays an integral role in ensuring this is successful.”
In addition to his appointment as Chief Justice, Shanahan was also sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania.
