Albany Aboriginal Legal Service lawyer Janie Gibbs appointed new WA magistrate

An Albany lawyer was among four new magistrates appointed by WA Attorney General John Quigley on Tuesday. Janie Gibbs has served as managing lawyer at the Aboriginal Legal Service in Albany since 2017. She has extensive experience in criminal law and has worked across the State as a solicitor with Legal Aid WA and in private practice. Natasha Owen-Conway, Anthony Sullivan and Kelly Thompson were also appointed as magistrates. Ms Owen-Conway’s metropolitan appointment started on Wednesday, while the other three will preside in regional centres from August 8. Two of the appointments are set to fill new positions created through the State Government’s Justice Pipeline Project. Ms Owen-Conway is a former member of the State Administrative Tribunal and has been in an acting magistrate position since November. Mr Sullivan was a State Prosecutor for five years before taking on several leadership roles with Legal Aid WA. Ms Thompson was a senior criminal lawyer with the Aboriginal Legal Service after working in private practice, public prosecution and as a parliamentary adviser. “The addition of these four experienced and accomplished lawyers to the Magistrates Court will further enhance the legal services available to the community, particularly in the regions,” Mr Quigley said. “I am pleased the inclusion of Ms Owen-Conway, Ms Gibbs and Ms Thompson in these appointments also align with our aim of improving the representation of women in WA judicial roles.”