Australian Capital Territory
Magistrates Court (Special Magistrates Appointment Requirements) Determination 2015 (No 1)
Notifiable instrument NI2015–579
made under the  
Magistrates Court Act 1930, s 8AA (Requirements of appointment – Special Magistrates)

1	Name of instrument
This instrument is the Magistrates Court (Special Magistrates Appointment Requirements) Determination 2015 (No 1).
2	Commencement 
This instrument commences on the day after it is notified. 
3	Revocation
This instrument revokes the Magistrates Court (Special Magistrates Appointment Requirements) Determination 2009 [NI2009-616].
4	Determination
The Executive determines the selection process and criteria that applies to:
(1)	the appointment of Special Magistrates in schedule 1; and
(2)	the reappointment of Special Magistrates in schedule 2.

Simon Corbell MLA	Joy Burch MLA
Attorney-General	Minister
7/10/2015	7/10/2015
Schedule 1
The Executive may appoint a person as a Special Magistrate based on a consideration of possible candidates by the Attorney-General, where the Attorney-General has:
•	sought expressions of interest for the position of Special Magistrate by public advertisement; 
•	written to key ACT stakeholders inviting them to nominate suitably qualified people for appointment; 
•	had regard to the below selection criteria; and
•	consulted with the Chief Magistrate about possible appointees
unless the Attorney-General is of the opinion that it is in the interests of justice for the appointment to be made at short notice.
Selection criteria 
Intellectual capacity:
•	Appropriate knowledge of the relevant law and its underlying principles 
•	High level of expertise in your chosen area or profession
•	Ability to quickly absorb and analyse information 
Personal qualities:
•	Integrity and independence of mind 
•	Sound judgement 
•	Decisiveness 
•	Objectivity 
•	Ability and willingness to learn and develop professionally 
An ability to understand and deal fairly:
•	Ability to treat everyone with respect and sensitivity whatever their background 
•	Willingness to listen with patience and courtesy. 
Authority and communication skills:
•	Ability to explain the procedure and any decisions reached clearly and succinctly to all those involved 
•	Ability to inspire respect and confidence 
•	Ability to maintain authority when challenged. 
Efficiency:
•	Ability to work at speed and under pressure 
•	Ability to organise time effectively and produce clear reasoned judgments expeditiously
•	Ability to work constructively with others (including leadership and managerial skills where appropriate)
Experience in a dispute resolution environment would be an advantage.

Schedule 2
The Executive may reappoint a person as a Special Magistrate if the Attorney‑General:
•	has consulted with the Chief Magistrate about the reappointment; and
•	is satisfied that the nominated person has the experience, skills and qualifications to undertake the work of a Special Magistrate.