The Association 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 950, which includes more than 60% of the currently sitting judicial officers in Australia.
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 2024-2025 is $280.00 for one year or $840.00 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).