Judge Julie Wager appointed new Children's Court President

• District Court Judge Julie Wager appointed new President of the Children's Court of Western Australia
• Appointment effective from March 15, 2018  

Attorney General John Quigley has announced the appointment of District Court judge, Her Honour Julie Wager as the new President of the Children's Court of Western Australia.

Judge Wager's appointment will take effect on March 15, 2018 for an initial two-year period, following the retirement of Judge Denis Reynolds who has held the position for more than 14 years.

Judge Wager is an experienced and highly respected judicial officer who has served as a District Court judge since January 2005.

Comments attributed to Attorney General John Quigley:

"Judge Wager brings more than 30 years' legal experience to the Children's Court.

"Her wide-ranging experience in criminal justice issues and strong sense of social justice make her ideally placed to take on the important role of President of the Children's Court.

"Judge Wager was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in 1986.

"After completing articles of clerkship and restricted practice at the Legal Aid Commission of WA, Judge Wager was a solicitor at Clairs Keeley, Barristers and Solicitors from 1987 to 1988 and then at the Legal Aid Commission of WA from 1988 to 1990.

"Judge Wager was the Solicitor in charge of the Criminal Law Section at the Legal Aid Commission of WA from 1990 to 1991, after which she practised as a sole practitioner from 1991 to 2000.

"Judge Wager was appointed Western Australia's first Drug Court magistrate in 2000 before being appointed as a judge of the District Court in 2005.

"Judge Wager has been a member of various professional associations throughout her career, including as a member of the Council of the Law Society of WA and President of the Criminal Lawyers Association of WA.

"She has also been a panel member, presenter and teacher throughout her career. She has been a guest lecturer at the WA Police Service Homicide Training Course, a lecturer at Murdoch University and TAFE, and has given testimony before Senate and Parliamentary Committees on relevant topics.

"I congratulate Judge Wager on her appointment to this extremely important role, and I wish her every success in her continued service to the community as President of the Children's Court."

Attorney General's office - 6552 6800