A new Northern Territory coroner has been appointed ahead of a series of high-profile matters due to come before the Coroners Court.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains an image of a person who has died, used with the permission of their family.
Elisabeth Armitage has been acting in the role since October, but will become the full-time coroner from January 2023, when current Coroner Greg Cavanagh retires.
She will continue to act in the position until then.
Judge Armitage's appointment comes less than two months before the Coroners Court will begin examining the death of Aboriginal teenager Kumanjayi Walker, who was fatally shot by police officer Zachary Rolfe in 2019.
Mr Rolfe was found not guilty of all charges relating to the matter in March this year.
Before overseeing matters in the Coroners Court, Judge Armitage served as a magistrate of the NT Local Court, a position she was appointed to in 2013.
She previously worked as a senior crown prosecutor with the NT Department of Public Prosecutions and as a barrister.
More high-profile matters to come
The inquest into Mr Walker's death is due to begin in September, and will open in the remote community of Yuendumu where he lived and died.
Judge Armitage has presided over previous matters before the Coroners Court, including the death of Roberta Currie.
Before she assumes the role full-time, she is also due to examine a death in custody, and the death of 60-year-old Nigel Harris, who was killed after a crash at the Finke Desert Race in 2021.
NT Law Society President Peggy Cheong said the inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death was likely to generate significant public interest.
"It's been in the news a lot. It's a very emotive issue and it's very important for there to be an objective overview and scrutinising of that whole incident," she said.
Ms Cheong said Judge Armitage's appointment would maintain confidence in the courts.
"It's a good appointment … Judge Armitage has been a local court judge for many years and she has acted in the role of coroner since October 2021," she said.
Cavanagh to retire after 24 years
Outgoing coroner Judge Cavanagh, who will remain on leave until Judge Armitage formally begins her new role in January 2023, has served in the position for 24 years.
The final public matter he presided over was the disappearance of Paddy Moriarty, which was heard in April.
At the end of that inquest, he referred the suspected death of Mr Moriarty from the small town of Larrimah to the Director of Public Prosecutions, saying the man's mysterious disappearance was likely the result of criminal offences.
Ms Cheong said Judge Cavanagh would hold a unique and fondly-remembered legacy.
"He's a Territorian, he speaks his mind, and that should be welcomed," she said.
"I think it's an era that's going to pass. I'll miss it somewhat.
"He's at times mischievous, but in no way taking away from his role as coroner … I have the highest regard for Mr Cavanagh."
