Geoffrey Bellew SC appointed as Acting Judge of Industrial Court

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Experienced jurist Geoffrey Bellew SC has been appointed as an Acting Judge of the Industrial Court.

Mr Bellew, who is currently the Chair of the State Parole Authority, has four decades of legal experience including serving a Supreme Court judge from January 2012 to February 2023 in the Common Law Division, and sitting as a member of the Bench of the Court of Criminal Appeal.

This year he was appointed to conduct a review into the operation of doli incapax in NSW, alongside former NSW Police deputy commissioner Jeffrey Loy.

Mr Bellew was first admitted as a legal practitioner in 1983 and began his career in the Sydney Office of Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP). 

He was admitted to the NSW Bar in 1991 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2006.

Mr Bellew is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney, a sessional lecturer in evidence in the course conducted by the Sydney University Law Extension Committee and is chairperson of the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal and the Judiciary Panel of the National Rugby League.

He is the author and editor of legal texts on topics including uniform civil procedure and evidence.

Mr Bellew’s appointment at the Industrial Court will commence on 13 October 2025 for a period of 12 months.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Geoffrey Bellew SC to the Industrial Court.

“Mr Bellew has a long and distinguished legal career spanning more than four decades, including as a Supreme Court judge and Chair of the State Parole Authority.

“His extensive knowledge and experience will be an asset to the Industrial Court.

“I congratulate Mr Bellew on his latest appointment.” 

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

"I wish to congratulate experienced jurist Geoffrey Bellew SC on his appointment as an Acting Judge of the Industrial Court.

“With four decades of legal service, including over a decade as a Supreme Court judge he brings a wealth of knowledge and judicial insight to this important role."