Canberra's New Magistrate Heidi Robinson Vows Fair Hearings for Locals
In a heartfelt ceremony on Monday, February 9, 2026, Heidi Robinson was sworn in as the Australian Capital Territory's 10th magistrate, promising to give Canberrans "an opportunity to be heard" in court. The native Canberran's appointment marks a significant moment for the territory's legal community, with her career deeply rooted in the region.
From Unlikely Beginnings to Judicial Honour
Unlike many of her colleagues, Robinson did not initially aspire to a legal career. Her early interests shifted from computer science, deterred by a boy-dominated classroom, to veterinary science, which ended after a distressing experience involving a dog's euthanasia. More than three decades later, she expressed profound gratitude for choosing law, calling her appointment "one of the greatest honours of my life."
A Genuine ACT Deal with Local Connections
ACT Bar Association president Prue Bindon described Robinson as "the genuine ACT deal," highlighting her personal and professional ties to Canberra. This local connection lent authenticity to her address, where she acknowledged that most people dislike court appearances, often facing their worst days. Robinson emphasised her commitment to fairness, stating, "I might not always give people what they wanted, but I can give them a fair hearing and I can give them an opportunity to be heard."
Empathy and Expertise Forged Through Experience
Since graduating from the Australian National University in 2000, Robinson has built a distinguished career, including roles as special counsel for the ACT Government Solicitor and a barrister at Blackburn Chambers. Her decade as a senior and presidential member of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal earned her a reputation for empathy. ACT Law Society president Vik Sundar noted that former colleagues praised her intelligence, composure, and focus on individuals in each case.
A Legacy of Fairness in the ACT Judiciary
Robinson's swearing-in comes approximately two months before Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker's retirement, with a replacement now being sought. Her approach, blending legal expertise with human understanding, as Bindon remarked, sets a promising tone for Canberra's courts. Robinson believes that treating people with fairness and respect makes them more receptive to difficult outcomes, a principle she aims to uphold in her new role.
