Vale Judge Peter Zahra SC

9 May 2022

I am saddened to learn of the passing of his Honour Judge Peter Zahra SC, one of the District Court of NSW’s most senior judges.

I express the State’s gratitude not only for Judge Zahra’s work as a judge of the District Court, but his significant contribution and service to the law and legal profession over many decades.

Before being sworn in as a District Court Judge in 2007, his Honour practised extensively in criminal law. He was appointed a Public Defender in 1989 and then Senior Public Defender in 2001, appearing in major murder and drug trials throughout NSW. His Honour took silk in 2001.

His Honour was considered an outstanding leader in the Public Defenders Chambers – hard working, a fine advocate and dedicated to developing and maintaining the highest standard in the work undertaken by Public Defenders. He was also a well-respected legal author on drug laws and criminal law.

During his 15 years on the District Court bench, Judge Zahra earned the deep respect of his judicial colleagues, those at the Bar who appeared before him and the profession more broadly.

On behalf of the people and Government of NSW, I offer my sincere condolences to his Honour’s wife, daughter and sons, his extended family and his many friends and colleagues.

Vale Judge Peter Zahra SC.