NEW LAND AND ENVIRONMENT COURT JUDGE APPOINTED

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman today announced the appointment of barrister Sandra Duggan SC as a judge of the Land and Environment Court.

Mr Speakman said Ms Duggan has had an outstanding legal career spanning more than three decades, appearing in many NSW court jurisdictions including the Land and Environment Court.

"Ms Duggan has extensive experience in planning, environmental and property law, as well as state and local government," Mr Speakman said.

"She has appeared in high profile Land and Environment Court matters including representing Infrastructure NSW in the demolition of the Sydney Football Stadium at Moore Park and playing a pivotal role in getting the $52 million Gosford Waterfront Precinct across the line."

Ms Duggan was admitted as a solicitor in NSW in 1988 and was called to the Bar in 1995. Until her appointment today she was head of Martin Place Chambers, the only barristers' chambers in NSW specialising in environmental, planning and property law.

As a barrister, Ms Duggan has advised community groups, developers and government departments. Her experience includes development appeals, criminal prosecutions, land valuation and acquisition hearings and coronial inquiries.

"The Land and Environment Court is the first specialist environmental, superior court in the world. Its judges play a critical part in upholding the rule of law in a wide range of environmental and planning disputes," Mr Speakman said.

"I congratulate Ms Duggan on her appointment which will bring to the Land and Environment Court her vast expertise in a range of matters, from tree disputes to mining issues and land tax appeals to negligence by local government authorities.''

Ms Duggan will be sworn into her new position in a ceremony on 10 September.