Military judge is new magistrate

The military judge will fill the gap left by Magistrate Maria Doogan when she resigns at the end of March, seven months out from her mandatory retirement age of 65.

Colonel Morrison comes to the job with more than a quarter of a century of experience as a private practitioner.

He was sworn in as a permanent military judge in 2007.

He has also served as a judge advocate and a defence force magistrate.

Before taking up military judicial appointments, Colonel Morrison spent 26 years in private practice covering a range of fields including administrative law, contract and commercial law and trade practices.

Attorney-General Simon Corbell said the newly appointed magistrate's military background gave him "extensive experience in criminal law".

And Mr Corbell said his experience in private practice would serve him well as the court came to terms with an expanded civil jurisdiction.

"It is in the best interests of the court to have this position finalised and Colonel Morrison begins his position shortly after the departure of magistrate Doogan next month," Mr Corbell said.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank magistrate Doogan for her long and distinguished service to the ACT community, and wish her well in her retirement."

The appointment comes as magistrates cope with an increasing workload brought on by changes to bail laws and the court's civil and criminal jurisdictions.

And uncertainty remains about future listing processes, with the Law Society calling for the abolition of the case management system and the establishment of a dedicated bail court.

The appointment comes a little more than a month after respected civil barrister David Mossop was appointed.

Mr Mossop, who began work last week, filled a vacancy created by former Chief Magistrate John Burns' elevation to the Supreme Court and his replacement with Lorraine Walker.