Attorney-General George Brandis last week named Federal Circuit Court Chief Judge John Pascoe as the new Chief Justice of the Family Court, replacing the retiring Chief Justice Diana Bryant.

William Alstergren QC, current President of the Australian Bar Association, has been appointed Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court and has been issued a joint commission as a Justice of the Family Court.

Chief Judge Pascoe has served for 13 years as head of the Federal Circuit Court, which handles more than 85 per cent of family law disputes.

Mr Brandis said Chief Judge Pascoe would bring “a wealth of experience” to the role.

Mr Brandis noted that Mr Alstergren, would “bring to the Commonwealth’s busiest trial court formidable leadership, legal and administrative skills”.

Law Council of Australia president Fiona McLeod SC has welcomed Chief Judge Pascoe’s appointment stating he had “a deep commitment to helping Australian families and upholding the rights of children”.