Newly appointed Federal Circuit and Family Court Judge Tracy Flintoff has used her ceremonial welcome to champion the work of regional practitioners while reflecting on the Indigenous justice initiatives that have shaped her legal career.
Judge Flintoff was formally welcomed to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) at a ceremonial sitting in Brisbane on Thursday.
Speaking before her judicial colleagues, members of the profession, and family and friends both in person and watching on livestream from New Zealand, she reflected on a career that had taken her from rural Northland to the bench of a federal court.
Judge Flintoff gave country lawyers special recognition, saying their contribution was often overlooked.
“They frequently balance several areas of practice, multiple courts and travel long distances to attend court. They are integral to the communities they serve, and their legal aid work is essential to access to justice being achieved,” Her Honour said.
“Regional independent children’s lawyers also perform difficult and important work with great dedication, and unfortunately, their numbers are dwindling.
“Regional lawyers, your work is seen, respected, and valued.”
Judge Flintoff recalled growing up on the family farm in New Zealand and how her community shaped her values and respect for Indigenous cultures.
“I grew up on a farm in a small rural community in Te Tai Tokerau, Northland. My primary school had about 30 children. It had strong links with the farming community and the local marae (Māori meeting ground).”
She said the experience provided an early connection to Māori culture and language.
“This gave me early exposure to Te Reo Maori and Tikanga Maori, the language, customs, values and practices of Maori culture. That experience helped shape my respect for indigenous cultures and for the knowledge holders who generously share their learnings with others.”
She later highlighted the establishment of the Specialist Indigenous List in Lismore and Coffs Harbour, work she described as among the most purposeful of her career.
“Judge Leanne Turner supported me in those early days, entrusted me to join in on the work that had been done by the local Aboriginal community and the Family Law Pathways Network to establish a specialist Indigenous list operating out of Lismore and Coffs Harbour,” Her Honour said.
“That work became some of the most purposeful work of my career alongside representing children.”
Judge Flintoff also reflected on her first legal role with Auckland barrister Chris Patterson, who travelled to Brisbane for the ceremony. Thanking him for “taking a chance on a new graduate”, she recalled one of her earliest career highlights – defending him on a traffic matter.
“A career highlight was my first cross-examination, in defence of your speeding ticket. And the stakes felt very high for a new lawyer, but you kept your licence,” she said.
She also spoke to her “first brush with the law”, which came at age nine after she made a paper-bag mask of then New Zealand Prime Minister Sir David Lange that was sent to Parliament by her school.
“When Dad found out, he was beside himself, and the New Zealand government was going to sue me for defamation,” she said.
“Fortunately, the Prime Minister did not think my craft was a terrible likeness, and he instead sent me a letter and an autographed photograph and kindly praised my creativity.”
Throughout the ceremony, speakers repeatedly praised Judge Flintoff’s professionalism, work ethic and commitment to public service.
Kate Alroe, on behalf of the Law Council of Australia and the Queensland Law Society, told the court the announcement of the appointment had been met with overwhelming support.
“In Australia, you have worked in Newcastle, Lismore, Port Macquarie, and now Brisbane. You are quickly and deeply at home wherever you are,” Ms Alroe said.
“As it was eloquently put by one of Your Honour’s friends, you bloom wherever you plant yourself.”
The Honourable Chief Justice William Alstergren said Judge Flintoff’s career reflected the Court’s commitment to ensuring access to justice across regional Australia.
“Your tenure in Lismore is illustrative of the fundamental role of this Court in providing access to justice in the regions and ensuring there is real access to justice tailored to the needs of all Australians, including those in the Specialist Indigenous List,” His Honour said.
Judge Flintoff said she would begin her judicial career with a sense of gratitude and responsibility.
“I’m committed to serving the Australian public and to carrying out my duties with diligence, kindness, and respect.”
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