John Hatzistergos

John Hatzistergos (born 20 August 1960) is an Australian jurist and former politician who has served as a judge of the District Court of New South Wales since 16 October 2014 and Chief Commissioner of the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) since 7 August 2022. He was previously a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council representing the Labor Party between 1999 and 2011, and a minister in various Labor governments.

Early life and education Born in Redfern, Sydney, the son of two Greek immigrants, Hatzistergos was educated at Bourke Street Primary School in Surry Hills and Cleveland Street Boys' High School.

Hatzistergos studied economics and law at the University of Sydney, where he was later appointed to the Senate of the university. Hatzistergos served as the NSW Minister for Health, between 2005 and 2007 and again briefly for 14 days in 2009, Minister for Fair Trading (2005) and Minister for Justice, between 2003 and 2005 and again between 2007 and 2009. Hatzistergos served as Attorney General from 2007 until 2011, and Minister for Industrial Relations between 2008 and 2009. He was Minister for Citizenship, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Vice President of the Executive Council and Government Leader in the Legislative Council.

During his tenure, Hatzistergos was a nationally recognised opponent of a Bill of Rights. In late 2010 it was reported that he was being considered a possible candidate for appointment to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and a potential successor to Chief Justice Reg Blanch of the District Court of New South Wales.

On 31 March 2011, Hatzistergos announced that he intended to retire from the Legislative Council despite having four years of his term to run. His announcement followed that of Eddie Obeid with Walt Secord and Adam Searle nominated by Labor to fill the casual vacancies.

Post-political career In late 2011 Hatzistergos became an adjunct professor at the University of Technology Sydney, teaching constitutional law. In July 2014 Hatzistergos was asked by the NSW Government to assist in the review the NSW Bail laws in response to controversy over a number of decisions made by magistrates. Hatzistergos recommended a number of changes to recalibrate the manner in which NSW courts would assess the risk posed by people charged with serious offenses. His recommendations were accepted by the NSW Government. On 10 October 2014 NSW Attorney General Brad Hazzard announced Hatzistergos's appointment as a judge of the District Court of New South Wales. He was appointed Chief Commissioner of the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on 7 August 2022.