A Canberra barrister and former defence lawyer has been appointed as the ACT's newest magistrate.
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ACT Attorney-General announced the appointment of Robert Cook as the newest addition to the Magistrates Court bench on Wednesday.
Mr Cook replaces the former magistrate David Mossop, who took on the role of ACT Supreme Court Master earlier this year.
Mr Cook has over 20 years of experience in law, and has specialised in employment law, and work, health and safety law as a barrister.
He was a partner in two leading law firms, and worked in the RAAF for 20 years, between 1976 and 1996.
In the defence force, he took on the roles of both a senior legal officer and a prosecuting officer, and helped defend defence force personnel before tribunals.
He has worked with the Australian Industrial Relations Society and, for five years, was the deputy president of the ACT Racing Appeals Tribunal.
“I congratulate Mr Cook on his appointment. I am confident he will serve the Canberra community well, and will be an asset to the Magistrates Court bench,” Mr Corbell said.
Mr Cook's selection was made by a panel comprising of ACT Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker, the Director-General of Justice and Community Safety Directorate Kathy Leigh, and the NSW Chief Magistrate Judge Graeme Henson.
Mr Cook's appointment commences on September 11.
