The Andrews Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Amina Bhai, Victoria Campbell, Andrew Halse and Helen Murphy to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Amina Bhai has been employed at the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) since 2009. Prior to her work in the OPP, she spent over 10 years in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in New South Wales. Ms Bhai also worked at the Many Rivers Aboriginal Legal Service NSW representing accused in the Local and Children’s Court.
During her time appearing in Magistrates’ Courts, she has developed a strong knowledge of legislation and procedure surrounding bail, and experience in Family Violence and Koori Justice cases.
Ms Bhai was admitted to practice in the Queensland Supreme Court in 1995 and holds a current Victorian Practicing Certificate. She has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Queensland.
Victoria Campbell has been Counsel at the Victorian Bar since 2011, with expertise in criminal law, family violence and family and relationships law. She has extensive experience appearing in the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts of Victoria, as well as in the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court.
Ms Campbell practiced as a solicitor before being admitted as a barrister in the Supreme Court of Victoria and High Court of Australia in 2003. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University.
Andrew Halse has represented a broad range of clients and has prosecuted matters on behalf of the OPP, Director of Public Prosecutions, WorkSafe Victoria, RSPCA and local councils.
He possesses a sound knowledge of the challenges that face magistrates and the criminal justice system broadly.
Mr Halse was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1987 and the Victorian Bar in 1988. He holds a combined Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania and a Master of Laws from Monash University.
Helen Murphy has predominately practised in criminal law in the County Court, Magistrates’ Court and Children’s Court. She is currently an instructor in criminal law for the Leo Cussen Institute.
From 1998 to 2004, Ms Murphy was employed at Victoria Legal Aid in various roles, including as a duty lawyer and an indictable casework solicitor.
Ms Murphy was admitted to legal practice at the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2000 and the Victorian Bar in 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Flinders University of South Australia.
All the appointees will commence their appointment from today.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Jill Hennessy
“The appointees have broad experience in the Magistrates’ Court and will make excellent additions to the bench.”
“Congratulations to Ms Bhai, Ms Campbell, Mr Halse and Ms Murphy on their appointments – I thank them for their ongoing contribution to the Victorian justice system.”
Reviewed 30 July 2020