Joint Media Release
The Minister forForeign Affairs Alexander Downer and the Attorney-General Philip Ruddock
14 November 2003
Australian Appointed to UN War Crimes Tribunal
The UN Secretary-General yesterday announced the appointment of the Hon Justice Kevin Parker AO RFD as a judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Justice Parker will commence duty on 4 December 2003.
Justice Parkers appointment coincides with Mr Downers visit to The Hague, where he met with the President of the Tribunal, Judge Theodor Meron and the Prosecutor, Ms Carla Del Ponte to re-affirm Australia's strong support for the Tribunals work.
We warmly congratulate Justice Parker on his appointment. The Government nominated Justice Parker to replace the Australian who is currently a judge of the Tribunal, His Excellency the Hon David Hunt AO. Judge Hunt is retiring after serving the Tribunal with great distinction since 1998.
Justice Parker will be the third Australian judge of the Tribunal, following Judge Hunt and the Rt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen KG AK GCMG GCVO KBE. An Australian, Mr Graham Blewitt, is also the Tribunals Deputy Prosecutor.
We are confident Justice Parker will continue Australia's proud record of service to the Tribunal. Justice Parker has had a distinguished legal career. He is a Judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia, and a previous Solicitor-General of that State.
Justice Parkers appointment illustrates the Governments ongoing commitment to bringing to justice those responsible for war crimes in the former Yugoslavia.
Contacts: Chris Kenny (Mr Downers office) 02-6277 7500, Charlie McKillop (Mr Ruddocks office) 02-6277 7300