Northern Territory's first Aboriginal judge appointed to Local Court of the NT

3 January 2023

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has today announced the appointment of David Woodroffe as a Judge of the Local Court of the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory’s first Aboriginal judge was sworn-in this morning by Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Stephen Southwood at a ceremony at the Supreme Court of the NT.

Judge Woodroffe has been acting in the position since July last year, prior to which he was the Principal Legal Officer at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA).

Having studied law at the Northern Territory University, Judge Woodroffe was a member of the first cohort of Aboriginal lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of the NT in 1999; and has since worked as a criminal lawyer and trial advocate with Aboriginal legal services across the Northern Territory and in Western Australia.

Judge Woodroffe is the recipient of coveted prizes such as the National Indigenous Legal Professional of the Year, the Australian Human Rights Commission Law Award, and Charles Darwin University’s Indigenous Alumnus Award and Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Judge Woodroffe is a descendent of the Mudburra and Jingili people from around the Newcastle Waters region in the centre of the Northern Territory.  Both his grandmother and father were members of the Stolen Generation, a factor that has driven Judge Woodroffe’s quest for a just society, and inspired him to pursue a career in law.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“I am incredibly proud to announce David Woodroffe as the Northern Territory’s first Aboriginal judge.

“Judge Woodroffe is a true local. He was born, raised and educated here in the Territory, and has a family heritage that traverses many thousands of years.  He also has an extensive legal background, particularly within Aboriginal legal aid services.

“This appointment sets a precedent that paves the way for more Aboriginal people to join the ranks of our home-grown legal fraternity.”

Media Contact: Jasmin Afianos - 0419 361 127

Northern Territory Government