Melbourne-based justice Debra Mortimer has been appointed as the first female chief justice of the Federal Court of Australia, succeeding Chief Justice James Allsop who will retire next month. 

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus announced the appointment after consulting with state and territory attorneys-general, bar associations, and courts. 

He described Justice Mortimer as “widely recognised for her legal acumen, intellectual capacity and judicial leadership”.

The incoming chief justice was appointed to the Federal Court in Melbourne a decade ago and is a principal fellow at the University of Melbourne law school. 

Justice Mortimer recently heard the dispute between federal independent MP Monique Ryan and former staffer Sally Rugg.

“Justice Mortimer becomes the fifth chief justice to lead the Federal Court,” said Dreyfus, adding that he was grateful to all members of the legal profession who provided nominations and assisted with its consideration of candidates for the important role. 

He also paid tribute to Chief Justice Allsop, whom he described as having served with “great distinction”.

Justice Mortimer's appointment came just hours before the Federal Court in Sydney held a ceremonial farewell for the outgoing chief justice. 

The appointment follows Dreyfus' appointment of Federal Court justice Jayne Jagot to the High Court, making the highest court in the land female-dominated for the first time in its history.