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The Australian Judicial Officers Association is the representative body of the Australian judiciary.

It was established in 1993 as an incorporated association. Its objectives all relate to the public interest in maintaining a strong and independent judiciary within a democratic society that adheres to the rule of law. The Association was formerly called the Judicial Conference of Australia and changed its name in March 2021.

The Australian Judicial Officers Association (AJOA) consists of judges and magistrates drawn from all jurisdictions and levels of the Australian court system. Membership of the AJOA is open to all serving and retired judges and magistrates in Australia.

The membership now stands at over 900, which includes more than half of the judicial officers in Australia.

The AJOA achieves its objectives in various ways:

  • Defending the judiciary against unwarranted attacks.
  • Informing the community about the proper role of the judiciary and the significance of an independent judiciary.
  • Communicating with other arms of government, for the purpose of promoting mutual understanding.
  • Seeking improvements in the administration of justice and accessibility of the judicial system.
  • Undertaking or supporting research that will benefit these aims.

The AJOA’s Governing Council is chaired by its President, the Hon. Justice Michael Walton of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

The AJOA is a member of the International Association of Judges and the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association as a member organisation.

The Association is funded almost entirely by membership subscriptions. The membership fee for the financial year 2023-2024 is $260.00 for one year or $780.00 for three years (GST inclusive). For retired judicial officers, the rate is $70.00 for one year or $210.00 for three years (GST inclusive).

However, for new members of the AJOA the membership fee for their first year of membership of the AJOA is $70.00 (GST inclusive).