Appointments to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the appointment of four new judges to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).

The Government congratulates Ms Amelia Edwards, Mr Corey Jenkins, Ms Philippa Mitchell and Ms Frances Neilson on their appointments.

Mr Jenkins has been appointed to the Townsville Registry, Ms Edwards and Ms Mitchell to the Melbourne Registry and Ms Neilson to the Parramatta Registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2). They will commence on 3 February 2026.

The Government thanks each new judge for their willingness to serve the people of Australia.

The appointments followed an open call for expressions of interest, with applications considered by an advisory panel comprised of eminent individuals.

Biographical details:

Ms Amelia Edwards

Ms Edwards was admitted as a Legal Practitioner to the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia in 2011. Ms Edwards has been a National Judicial Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and Federal Court of Australia since 2023.

Mr Corey Jenkins 

Mr Jenkins was admitted as a Legal Practitioner in the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2009. Mr Jenkins has been a Senior Judicial Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia since 2021.

Ms Philippa Mitchell 

Ms Mitchell was admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Autralia in 2005. Ms Mitchell has been a Partner at Clayton Utz since 2017.

Ms Frances Neilson 

Ms Neilson was admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court New South Wales in 1992 and to the High Court of Australia in 1993. Ms Neilson has been a Senior Judicial Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia since 2022.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP

"I congratulate Ms Amelia Edwards, Mr Corey Jenkins, Ms Philippa Mitchell and Ms Frances Neilson on their appointments and thank them for their willingness to serve the Australian community."