Delivering faster justice: new judges appointed to the Local Court

22 August 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today announced the appointment of Mr Giles O’Brien-Hartcher and Mr Steven Ledek as ongoing judges of the Northern Territory Local Court.

Mr Ledek commenced today on 22 August 2025, with Mr O’Brien-Hartcher commencing on 8 September 2025.

To support the increased demand on the justice system, two Acting Judges have also been appointed to the Local Court for a six-month period to March 2026 - Ms Sally Ozolins and Mr Jonathan Bortoli.

With these appointments, the Northern Territory now has the largest judicial complement in its history at 19 - strengthening the courts to meet the demand created by the CLP Government’s stronger laws.

Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said the appointments are a result of the CLP Government’s biggest ever law and order budget - part of the year of action, certainty and security.

“I have appointed these judges to meet the increasing demands on the justice system to urgently get to work and start delivering for the Territory,” said Ms Boothby.

“The courts have asked, demands have risen, and our government have answered with 4 judges – they are urgently needed to start reducing the pressure, and I expect they will.”

Ms Boothby said these new judges will give courts the capacity to match the CLP Government’s stronger laws and deliver faster, fairer justice for victims.

“Our government has delivered the strongest bail laws in the nation to keep violent offenders off the streets and put victims first,” said Ms Boothby.

“We are serious about reforming the justice system – investing in more judges, more prosecutors and better court resources to reduce delays, clear backlogs and meet community expectations.”

Justice outcomes since January 2025 include:

• Over 3,300 people refused bail – up 44% compared to the same period last year under Labor;
• Remand numbers up 40% – keeping more serious offenders off the streets;
• Average time on remand down 7% – now 136.5 days;
• Sentenced prisoners now outnumber remand prisoners – showing the system is moving more efficiently; and
• Crime trending down by 4.7% – 605 fewer victims between January and June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

“These judicial appointments are another step towards strengthening the justice system to deliver on our clear mandate: reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore our Territory lifestyle,” Ms Boothby said.

Media contact – Ebony Raymond: 0476 938 478