Judge Turnbull’s appointment follows the announcement by the Attorney General, Mark Speakman, late last year, that a full time judge would be appointed to the region.

Mr Speakman was in Bathurst for the November 2018 announcement as part of Cabinet’s regional tour, saying the appointment would reduce backlogs within the District Court and deliver faster justice.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, welcomed the appointment and said Judge Turnbull will be the first District Court judicial officer in history to live and work in our region.

“This is a big win for the community which will enable a substantial increase in sittings which should result in cases being finalised more quickly – reducing stress for victims, witnesses and defendants.”

Judge Turnbull was sworn in on Tuesday morning by the Chief Judge of the District Court of NSW the Honourable Justice Derek Price AM.

Attorney General, Mark Speakman said Judge Turnbull comes to the bench with a reputation for being one of the finest criminal barristers in NSW.

“He has served his clients and the court with absolute distinction for some 35 years,” Mr Speakman said.

“His experience both in Australia and overseas in some of the most high-profile criminal cases of the last quarter of a century will mean Judge Turnbull will be an invaluable asset to the District Court bench.”

Judge Turnbull is one of seven new judges appointed to the District Court.

“The District Court will now have a record 75 permanent judges, which will help ease the pressure in areas like the Central West that have significant caseloads,” Mr Speakman said.

“While crime is generally falling or stable across NSW, the number of people being charged with serious offences is rising. The flow on effect of more crimes being solved is additional work for our courts, which is an issue we are addressing.”