Ken Archer, senior member of the ACT Bar, has been named as the first dedicated coroner in the ACT in a key appointment aimed at improving the experience of bereaved families and friends involved in coronial matters.
“Having a dedicated coroner will reduce delays for bereaved family, friends and witnesses involved in inquests, and allow a more consistent, restorative approach to coronial proceedings,” Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said.
“A dedicated coroner is also significant change to current practice where eight different magistrates undertake coronial matters as part of their broader caseloads. Being able to dedicate this degree of focus to the Coroners Court will also keep Canberrans safer through the coroner more effectively being able to identify systemic issues and prevent future deaths.
“I am delighted that a lawyer of Mr Archer’s calibre will lead the ACT Coroners Court into a new era, bringing a more restorative approach to coronial processes and making them more timely, inclusive and trauma-informed for bereaved families and friends. Those who know Mr Archer praise his legal acumen, professionalism and compassion.
“Mr Archer has practised law for over three decades in the ACT, working as a senior prosecutor, and a criminal defence barrister. He also has a wealth of experience in coronial hearings and inquests.”
Mr Archer is a former president of the ACT Bar Association, an elected member of the ACT Bar Council, and a member of the Federal Executive of the Australian Bar Association.
Mr Archer said he was honoured to be the first person appointed to the dedicated coroner position.
“As a representative of the ACT Bar Association, I have had the opportunity to sit down with the Attorney-General and other stakeholders in the Coronial Restorative Reform Forum to share experiences of the coronial process and discuss how it might become not only more efficient in dealing with cases but also more restorative in its approach,” Mr Archer said.
“The work of that Forum is ongoing and with the Chief Coroner who is also the Chief Magistrate I hope to take an active role in exploring how the Coroners Court can be changed and adapted to achieve those aims.”
The Attorney-General also announced that Jane Campbell, who has been a Special ACT Magistrate since early last year, will be permanently appointed as a Magistrate.
“Ms Campbell, who was admitted to practice in 1990, brings a wealth of experience to the bench due to her work with Legal Aid ACT as their Deputy CEO and Head of Criminal Practice, and I am delighted to appoint her permanently as a Magistrate.
“Both these appointments will strengthen the ACT Magistrates Court and support the timely and efficient delivery of justice to the Canberra community.”
Ms Campbell said her experience as a Special Magistrate this past year has highlighted the importance of the role to the ACT community.
“I am honoured to be appointed as a permanent Magistrate of the ACT Magistrates Court,” Ms Campbell said. “My appointment as a Magistrate of this Court reflects the Attorney’s confidence in my performance of this important work and I am extremely proud to be now sharing the bench with my fellow Magistrates who have been extraordinarily generous and collegial this past year.
“I am delighted to be able to continue to contribute to the community in this way.”
Additionally, Magistrate James Stewart will move from a part-time appointment to full-time.
The appointment of a dedicated coroner delivers on the Government’s commitment in the 10th Parliamentary and Governing Agreement.
