The Law Society of NSW welcomes the announcement by NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman SC MP that Michael Ong, Kasey Pearce, Gareth Christofi and Rebecca Hosking have been appointed as Magistrates of the Local Court of NSW.

Each of the new appointees will replace Magistrates who have retired from the Court and will commence service in country regions following 12 months training in Sydney.

In welcoming the appointments, President of the Law Society of NSW, Juliana Warner, praised the Attorney General for recognising four people who each have considerable experience as a solicitor as suitable appointees to the Bench.

“Michael Ong, Kasey Pearce, Gareth Christofi and Rebecca Hosking will each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Local Court and I warmly congratulate them on their appointments to the bench,” she said.

“Members of our profession play a valuable role in the community and in providing access to justice.

“It is pleasing to see that this contribution has been reflected in these latest appointments and I have every confidence Mr Ong, Ms Pearce, Mr Christofi and Ms Hosking will make exceptional judicial officers.”

Ms Warner said that while the Law Society welcomes the four appointments that replace retiring magistrates, she will continue to advocate for additional magistrates to ease the pressure on the state’s Local Courts.

Mr Ong and Ms Pearce will be sworn in on 24 May and Mr Christofi and Ms Hosking on 15 June.