Two Aboriginal women have become magistrates in South Australia, in what is a milestone moment for the state's judiciary.
Lawyers Lana Chester and Natalie Browne are the first Aboriginal people ever appointed as magistrates in SA, and will be formally sworn in on Friday.
Kaurna elder and founding Nunga Court member Yvonne Agius said it was a proud moment.
"I wish there were many more taking over, because it's about time," she said.
"I'm 80 years of age, and this is the first time I've seen this, and so I'll be looking forward to more joining up in the system."
Ms Agius said she hoped it would create better cultural understanding in the system and make members of the community feel more comfortable when facing court.
"A lot of our people are locked up," she said.
"I think this is a good thing that's happening that we maybe take those numbers down a bit."
Chief Justice Chris Kourakis said a court that reflected its community was better placed to serve the community.
"It brings into the corridors of the courts, into judges' meetings, a different perspective and understanding which helps all judges," he said.
"If a court looks like its community, its legitimacy to administer justice across that community is necessarily enhanced."
Attorney-General Kyam Maher said both women went through Aboriginal cadetship programs early in their careers.
He is hopeful their promotions will pave the way for more Aboriginal people to follow in their footsteps.
"For the decades and the centuries that we've had the state of South Australia and the colony that preceded it, we haven't had Aboriginal people as part of our judiciary at any level of our courts," Mr Maher said.
"It means also that young Aboriginal people who are considering their options and considering future careers will look to people who have these sorts of roles and say, 'I can do that as well'."
