Former director of public prosecutions, Jon White SC, has been appointed as a new resident judge in the ACT Supreme Court.
He will fill a vacancy created by Justice Louise Taylor's appointment as chief magistrate.
Justice White will begin the role next week on June 22, 2026.
In a statement, he said he was "deeply honoured" to be appointed as a judge.
"I was born and educated in Canberra and have practiced law here extensively. I'll draw on my personal and professional experience in the ACT in performing my new role."
The new judge brings decades of experience in criminal, appellate and public law, including having served as director from 2008 to 2018.
Justice White has extensive experience as lead counsel in matters before the ACT Supreme Court, ACT Court of Appeal and High Court of Australia.
Chief Justice Lucy McCallum said the new judge is "rightly regarded as a venerable leader of the ACT Criminal Bar".
"He brings to the court a sharp intellect, unrivalled experience and a prodigious work ethic. His appointment is most welcome at this time. "
ACT Attorney-General Tara Cheyne said: "Jon White brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the ACT justice system."
"His distinguished career, including a decade of service as DPP, reflects a strong commitment to the rule of law and to serving the community."
Magistrate Jane Campbell will be appointed as acting judge of the ACT Supreme Court's Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List.
She was appointed to the ACT Magistrates Court in 2022 and brings extensive judicial and legal experience to her new role.
"Magistrate Campbell brings deep experience across criminal law, legal practice and judicial service, as well as a strong understanding of the complexities that can contribute to offending behaviour," the Attorney-General said.
