I am pleased to announce the appointments of Penelope Neskovcin KC and Craig Dowling SC as judges of the Federal Court of Australia. Ms Neskovcin and Mr Dowling have been appointed to the Victorian registry and commence on 8 February 2024 and 9 February 2024 respectively.
The Australian Government is committed to merit in appointing judicial officers. These appointments have been made following an open call for expressions of interest across all jurisdictions, and consideration by an advisory panel. The advisory panel comprised the Chief Justice of the Federal Court, a former Justice of the Federal Court, and a senior official from the Attorney-General’s Department. The advisory panel shortlisted, assessed and put forward recommended candidates for appointment, including Ms Neskovcin and Mr Dowling.
On behalf of the Australian Government, I congratulate Ms Neskovcin and Mr Dowling on their appointments and thank them for their willingness to serve the people of Australia as judges of the Federal Court.
Penelope Neskovcin KC
Ms Neskovcin graduated with a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Tasmania in 1993. Ms Neskovcin was admitted to practice as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Tasmania in 1994, and in 1995 was admitted to practice as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Ms Neskovcin was called to the Bar in 2002 and took Silk in 2016.
Craig Dowling SC
In 1987, Mr Dowling graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and in 1989 he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws both from Monash University. In 2009, Mr Dowling attained a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne. Mr Dowling was admitted to practice as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1991. In 1999, Mr Dowling was called to the Bar. In 2017, he was appointed Senior Counsel.
