Judge Michael Allen sworn in as NSW Chief Magistrate

Monday, 8 July 2024

Experienced jurist, Judge Michael Allen, has been sworn in as the Chief Magistrate of the Local Court of NSW.

In front of family, friends and colleagues at a ceremony attended by Attorney General Michael Daley at the Downing Centre, Judge Allen reaffirmed his commitment to the fair and efficient administration of justice.

With almost 40 years’ experience, including as Deputy Chief Magistrate and most recently as a District Court Judge, he has worked in many areas of the law. This includes family and domestic violence, serious crime, mental health, drug and alcohol, workers compensation and civil law.

Judge Allen is passionate about the Local Court and the role of magistrates as members of their local communities working with the police, health and justice agencies to ensure community safety.

For almost a decade, he was a Local Court magistrate before being appointed Deputy Chief Magistrate in 2018 and became an acting judge of the District Court in 2022. This work took him all over the state including many years based in Western Sydney and regional NSW.

Since early 2023, Judge Allen has been a District Court Judge at Penrith and from January this year has been the resident list judge there. His responsibilities included listing arrangements, short matters, sentences, appeals and both jury and judge alone trials.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I am delighted that a person of Michael Allen’s calibre and character is leading the NSW Local Court.

“Judge Allen is a highly experienced jurist and his oversight of the state’s busiest court will be invaluable for everyone who interacts with it. Whether working from Western Sydney or the bush, he has remained focussed on serving the community, and recognises the immense support from many court staff he has worked with over the years that helped him get to where he is today.

“Once again, I would like to congratulate His Honour on this well-deserved appointment.”