The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the appointment of six new judges to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Divisions 1 and 2).
Judge Betts has been appointed to the Newcastle Registry of Division 1, Mr Beaumont has been appointed to the Sydney Registry of Division 1, Ms Black and Magistrate O’Neill have been appointed to the Brisbane Registry of Division 2, Ms McNamara has been appointed to the Parramatta Registry of Division 2, and Ms Miller has been appointed to the Adelaide Registry of Division 2. They will commence on 30 November 2026. All appointees have extensive experience in family law matters, including those involving family violence.
The appointments followed an open call for expressions of interest through national advertising, with applications considered by an advisory panel comprised of eminent individuals.
The Government thanks each new judge for their willingness to serve the people of Australia.
Biographical details
Judge Terry Betts
Judge Betts was admitted as a Legal Practitioner in the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory in 2001 and, shortly thereafter, as a Barrister to the Queensland Bar. He is currently a judge of the FCFCOA (Division 2) in the Newcastle registry.
Mr Nicholas Beaumont SC
Mr Beaumont was admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1994 and as a Barrister to the New South Wales Bar in 2000. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2013.
Ms Sally McNamara
Ms McNamara was admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1987 and as a Solicitor in the High Court of Australia in 1993. She has been a senior judicial registrar in the FCFCOA since 2021.
Ms Jane Miller
Ms Miller was admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of South Australia and of the High Court of Australia in 2001. She was called to the South Australia Bar in 2019.
Magistrate Lisa O’Neill
Magistrate O’Neill was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1988. She was appointed as a Magistrate in the Magistrates Court of Queensland in 2024.
Ms Anna Black
Ms Black was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and of the High Court of Australia in 2007. She was called to the Queensland Bar in 2009.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP
“The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia plays an important role in the lives of many Australians.
“I congratulate Judge Terry Betts, Mr Nicholas Beaumont SC, Ms Anna Black, Ms Sally McNamara, Ms Jane Miller and Magistrate Lisa O’Neill on their appointments and thank them for their willingness to serve the Australian community.”
