The Supreme Court of Victoria was established by an Act of Parliament in 1852.

Before this, the state of Victoria was known as the Port Phillip District of New South Wales. The British Government separated the area from New South Wales, proclaiming a new Colony of Victoria, in 1851.

The new colony received a Constitution of its own, which led to the creation of new judicial institutions. Among them was the Supreme Court of Victoria. The new Court replaced the ‘Court of the Resident Judge at Port Phillip of the Supreme Court of New South Wales’.

The position of Master in Equity was created by the Supreme Court Act 1852. The Master worked exclusively in the Court’s equitable jurisdiction, focusing on:

  • undertaking inquiries and investigations requested by the Court
  • managing financial issues arising in proceedings, including payments into Court by trustees or executors.

From 1867 the Master in Equity was also responsible for administering the estates of people who did not have capacity to manage their own affairs.

The Master of the Supreme Court Act 1948 created the role of Master of the Supreme Court to replace the Master in Equity.

As more Masters were appointed, it was decided that the position of Senior Master, with special responsibilities, would be created. In 1977 Master C. P. Jacobs became the first Senior Master, holding the position between 1977 and 1983.

On 15 April 1983, Senior Master K.J. Mahony, replaced Senior Master Jacobs.  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, and was replaced by Associate Justice Fiona Steffensen. 

On 17 December 2008, the historic title of ‘Master’ was removed and renamed ‘Associate Judge’. However, the Senior Master retains a historic link to the old term and is now known as the ‘Associate Judge who is the Senior Master’.

FIC has changed and grown dramatically over time. Since 2004, funds awarded to people under disability by the County Court, Magistrates’ Court and the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) are also paid to the Senior Master.