20 November 2004

Australian Elected to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugolslavia (ICTY)

We warmly congratulate Justice Kevin Parker AO RFD on his successful election overnight to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in New York.

Justice Parker achieved a strong number of votes in a tightly contested field of 22 candidates.  This outstanding result reflects the high international regard for both Justice Parker and his work on the ICTY bench, and Australian participation in international criminal tribunals and courts.

Australia is committed to bringing to justice those responsible for war crimes in the former Yugoslavia. The work of the ICTY is invaluable in prosecuting and sentencing those involved in such war crimes Australia is keen to see those responsible for such heinous acts brought to account under the ICTY's completion strategy by 2008.

Justice Parker is the third Australian judge of the Tribunal, following the Rt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen KG AK GCMG GCVO KBE and His Excellency the Hon David Hunt AO . Justice Parker commenced work on the ICTY bench in December 2003, replacing Judge Hunt.

Justice Parker has had a distinguished legal career spanning over 30 years. Prior to his appointment to the ICTY bench, he was a judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia from 1994-2003. Justice Parker also served as Solicitor-General of Western Australia from 1979-1994. He was appointed Queens Counsel in 1977 and has extensive experience in both criminal and military law.

The bench of the ICTY is composed of 16 permanent judges elected by the 191 states parties to the United Nations.  Following his election, Justice Parker will serve a four-year term as a judge on the ICTY bench, commencing in 2005.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's Office) 02 62777 500, Steve Ingram (Mr Ruddock's Office) 02 62777 300