Western Australia’s Chief Justice, the Hon David K. Malcolm AC, today warmly welcomed the announcement that Supreme Court Judge Kevin Parker AO RFD has been appointed to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
The Chief Justice said that Justice Parker, who was nominated for the position of permanent judge on the Tribunal by the Prime Minister, Mr Howard, would be greatly missed by the Western Australian Supreme Court.
“Justice Parker has made a significant and highly-valued contribution to the justice system in our State, firstly as Solicitor General from 1979 to 1994, and then as a judge of our Court since 1994,” the Chief Justice said.
“To all who know him, Justice Parker is held in the highest of esteem for his wisdom, compassion, common sense, legal skills, and his vast knowledge of the law.
“We shall sorely miss those attributes on the WA Bench, but know that those traits will be put to great use in a difficult but extremely important jurisdiction.”
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which is based in the Hague, consists of 16 permanent judges who are elected by the General Assembly of the United Nations. In addition, a further nine temporary judges may be appointed at any one time.
Justice Parker will be the third Australian to hold an appointment to the Tribunal, following on from Sir Ninian Stephen and His Excellency the Hon David Hunt.
Justice Parker will take up his appointment on 4 December.
Note: Justice Parker is not available for any interviews, however, a brief statement is attached.
Statement by the Hon Justice Kevin Parker AO RFD
It is a great honour to have been appointed as a permanent judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
It is also a surprise. I had not sought or expected the appointment.
It was not an easy decision for my wife Joan and me to leave our family and friends in Western Australia to live in The Hague, in The Netherlands, or for me to leave the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
I accept that it will be a challenging appointment, but it is an important task that needs to be done.
The Tribunal has a vital role to perform in helping to maintain order in the international community and bringing justice to the people of the former Yugoslavia.
It was established 10 years ago in response to the serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in that country
The two highly distinguished Australian judges who have previously served on the Tribunal have set an impressive standard. It will be a daunting task to try to live up to their example.
I take up my appointment on 4 December and expect to commence sitting within a few days
| Media Contact: | Val Buchanan Public Information Officer for the Courts 9421 5303 or pager 9324 4319 |
