Who is the Senior Master?

The Senior Master is an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

The position of Senior Master of the Supreme Court was created in 1977. Master C. P. Jacobs became the first Senior Master. Master Jacobs was replaced by Senior Master, K. J. Mahony, on 15 April 1983.  Associate Justice Mahony retired, on 7 September 2012, after 29 years as the Senior Master.  He was replaced by Associate Justice John Efthim. Associate Justice John Efthim retired on 8 April 2022. He was replaced by Associate Justice Fiona Steffensen.

The powers of the Senior Master arise from the Supreme Court Act 1986 (Vic) and the Supreme Court (General Civil Procedures) Rules 2025. Section 113(1) of the Supreme Court Act 1986 (Vic) provides that:

“all money paid into court under an order of the Court or under any Act or the Rules is to be held by the Senior Master.”

The Senior Master holds funds, investments, and assets to the value of approximately $2.4 billion. This is administered mainly for people with a legal disability.

People who have money administered by the Senior Master are known as “clients” of the Court.

Role and responsibilities of the Senior Master

Clients can apply to use their funds for any purpose that will benefit them without causing any serious harm.

Funds are always “subject to the direction of the Senior Master”, which means that only the Senior Master can make the Order of the Court that allows funds to be paid out.

The Senior Master considers the following for every request:

  • How will the expenditure benefit the client?
  • Can their funds in Court afford to pay for the request?
  • Are there ongoing costs that need to be considered?
  • How will the interests of the client be protected?

You can find out more in our How Decisions About Funds Are Made Information Sheet.

Parens Patriae

The Senior Master and Judicial Registrar exercise the common law doctrine of parens patriae, meaning “parent of the nation.” This gives the Supreme Court authority to act as protector of those who are unable to manage their own affairs, ensuring their funds are held securely and used to achieve their goals.

Parens patriae is one of the most basic and important Common Law concepts relating to people under 18 and people with a cognitive disability.

The Senior Master exercises parens patriae in administering the funds in Court for people with a disability.