434Principal Youth Court Judge

1. The Governor-General must, on the advice of the Attorney-General, appoint a Principal Youth Court Judge.

2. The appointment must be for a period of 8 years, and the person is not eligible for reappointment as Principal Youth Court Judge.

3. A person's appointment as Principal Youth Court Judge ceases if the person ceases to hold office as a District Court Judge.

4. With the prior approval of the Governor-General, the Principal Youth Court Judge may resign that office but continue in office as a District Court Judge.

5. To avoid doubt, a person does not cease to hold office as a District Court Judge solely because the term of the person's appointment as Principal Youth Court Judge has come to an end.

6. Despite subsection (2), the Principal Youth Court Judge continues in office until the Judge’s successor comes into office.

7. The Principal Youth Court Judge is responsible for ensuring the orderly and expeditious discharge of the business of the court in consultation with the Chief District Court Judge.

8. The Chief District Court Judge may authorise a Youth Court Judge to act in place of the Principal Youth Court Judge if—

9. the Principal Youth Court Judge is absent for any reason; or
10. the office of the Principal Youth Court Judge is vacant.