Three new magistrates for NSW Local Court

Friday 4 August 2023

Three lawyers with extensive experience across a range of legal areas have been elevated to the bench of the NSW Local Court.

Gina Towney, Timothy Khoo and Cathy Tawagi bring a wealth of knowledge to the NSW Local Court, having worked in a variety of jurisdictions and specialist areas.

The appointments support the NSW Government’s $56.1 million investment in the engine room of the state’s court system, driving the delivery of more efficient justice.

The NSW Local Court is the busiest court in Australia, managing a wide range of matters across several jurisdictions. It sits in 123 locations and deals with more than 90% of all criminal cases and civil claims across NSW.

The new magistrates will be sworn in on 8 August 2023, 9 August 2023 and 10 August 2023.

Quotes attributable to NSW Attorney General Michael Daley:

“Ms Towney, Mr Khoo and Ms Tawagi are highly regarded leaders in their field and bring decades of wisdom to the NSW Local Court.

“I congratulate these new magistrates on their appointments which are welcome additions to the bench.”

Biographies:

Gina Towney

Ms Towney has extensive experience in hearing and determining legal matters. Her professional background includes roles at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Torture Claims Appeal Board in Hong Kong, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the University of NSW where she lectured in administrative law.   

Timothy Khoo

Mr Khoo is an expert in children’s law, having spent almost two decades working on matters involving children and young people. His experience includes senior roles with the Children’s Legal Service at Legal Aid NSW and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. 

Cathy Tawagi

Ms Tawagi is an experienced criminal lawyer with more than 30 years of involvement in criminal advocacy and advice, legal management, and mentoring. She has held a number of senior leadership roles in Legal Aid NSW while conducting a high-volume criminal law practice. Most recently, she has worked in the coronial jurisdiction.