Natalie Charlesworth

Natalie Charlesworth is an Australian judge, sitting on the Federal Court of Australia.

Early life and education

Charlesworth was born and raised in Port Augusta, South Australia. Charlesworth moved to Adelaide to study at the University of South Australia earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism in 1991. Charlesworth then earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. Charlesworth also holds a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from ANU.

Career Charlesworth started her career as an associate to the Hon. Justice John Mansfield of the Federal Court. She then worked for the South Australian Crown Solicitor's Office, as solicitor, and later senior solicitor. She became a senior associate with Kelly & Co Lawyers. and 2016.

On 25 February 2016, George Brandis, the Attorney-General of Australia, announced Charlesworth's appointment to the Federal Court of Australia, effective 1 March 2016. Charlesworth was appointed to the Adelaide registry, replacing the retiring Justice Mansfield.

Charlesworth presided over Radio Adelaide's lawsuit against ABC over ABC's attempt to re-brand one of its stations in November 2017. Charlesworth granted an injunction in favour of Radio Adelaide.

In 2019, 2021 and 2022 Charlesworth presided over several native title cases, granting title rights to the Nukunu and Barngarla peoples of the western Flinders Ranges area of South Australia. The border between the two groups of area around Port Augusta, which had been disputed for around 28 years, was settled by these decisions.

Personal life Charlesworth is the mother of three children.