News Release

New Chair of Prisoners Review Board announced

02 Apr 2009

Supreme Court Judge heads up Review Board.

Attorney General Christian Porter today announced the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Narelle Johnson as the new Chairperson of the Prisoners Review Board (PRB) and the Mentally Impaired Accused Review Board (MIARB).

Justice Johnson’s three-year appointment follows the retirement of the first head of the Prisoners Review Board, Judge Valerie French.

“Justice Johnson is an experienced, highly capable Supreme Court Judge,” Mr Porter said.

“With a Bachelor of Jurisprudence Honours, a Bachelor of Law and a Master of Law, her expertise spans across criminal law, civil law, personal injury matters, coronial enquiries and appeals, all of which will be of immense value to both Boards.”

In Western Australia, Chairpersons of the PRB are appointed from the ranks of the Supreme or District courts, or can be retired judges of one of those courts. The chairperson of the PRB is automatically the chairperson of the MIARB.

“Justice Johnson has worked in WA, South Australia and the Northern Territory and she is widely recognised for her robust and practical approach on criminal justice issues,” the Attorney General said.

Justice Johnson joined the Crown Solicitor’s Office in 1982 and, after 12 years of distinguished service, she went to the Independent Bar to focus on civil and commercial litigation, and appellate advocacy. In 2003, she was appointed to the Supreme Court.

“Justice Johnson joins three new committee members on the PRB, who were announced last week,” Mr Porter said.

“I congratulate her and welcome her vital contribution to both Boards.”

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