Former interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention Dr Bernadette Boss is leaving the ACT Magistrates Court, with her resignation as a judicial officer taking effect from November 14.
Since her appointment as an ACT magistrate in 2012, Dr Boss has presided over numerous criminal, civil and coronial matters.
With her background as a barrister and in-command and staff roles in the Australian Defence Force, Dr Boss has recently served as the interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention.
She ended her term in September after submitting to the federal government a report containing 39 recommendations about ways it could immediately help prevent future suicides.
"I want to especially thank everyone in the community, including families and those experiencing suicidality, who came forward to share their deeply personal experiences with me," Dr Boss said when her term ended.
"The courage you have demonstrated has been humbling, and your insights have greatly enhanced this important work."
Dr Boss began her career as a nurse after studying a bachelor of science in London and later studying law.
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During her 25-year career in defence, she became the first female commanding officer of the Sydney University regiment and the first female officer to conduct an inquiry into the combat death of a soldier after she investigated the death of Lance Corporal Jared McKinney in Iraq in 2010.
ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury on Friday thanked Dr Boss for "her lengthy and dedicated services to the ACT courts".
"Her contribution to the ACT community has been nothing short of outstanding," Mr Rattenbury said.
"This includes her dedication to the ACT's Galambany Circle Sentencing Court, which provides effective and restorative processes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who come into contact with the justice system."
Mr Rattenbury said Dr Boss also made a significant contribution to the Judicial College's Cultural Diversity Committee.
"I wish Dr Boss well in her future endeavours," he said.
