Appointments to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Divisions 1 and 2)

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the appointment of three new judges to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Divisions 1 and 2).

The Government congratulates Judge Steven Middleton and Judge Sandra Taglieri on their appointments to Division 1, and Ms Tracy Flintoff on her appointment to Division 2.

Judge Middleton has been appointed to the Brisbane Registry of Division 1, Judge Taglieri has been appointed to the Hobart Registry of Division 1 and Ms Flintoff has been appointed to the Brisbane Registry of Division 2. They will commence on 10 August 2026.

The appointments followed an open call for expressions of interest, 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 Steven Middleton

Judge Middleton was admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia in 1996. Judge Middleton has been a Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) in Brisbane since 2015.

Judge Sandra Taglieri

Judge Taglieri was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Tasmania and the High Court of Australia in 1989. Judge Taglieri has been a Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) in Hobart since 2021.

Ms Tracy Flintoff

Ms Flintoff was admitted as a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2001. Ms Flintoff has been a Senior Judicial Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia since 2021.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“I congratulate Judge Steven Middleton, Judge Sandra Taglieri and Ms Tracy Flintoff on their appointments and thank them for their willingness to serve the Australian community.”

“The Government has made these appointments following merit-based processes to ensure that judicial appointments meet the high standards Australians expect.”