Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 9, 2026

Barbara Baker

Barbara Avalon Baker is an Australian barrister and former judge, who was the 29th governor of Tasmania from June 2021 to June 2026. She served on the Federal Circuit Court of Australia from 2008 to 2021. Baker was succeeded as governor by Caroline Wells on 17 June 2026.

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Jul 9, 2026
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The Honourable
Barbara Baker
AC
Baker in 2022
29th Governor of Tasmania
In office
16 June 2021 – 15 June 2026
MonarchsElizabeth II
Charles III
PremierPeter Gutwein
Jeremy Rockliff
Lieutenant GovernorAlan Blow (2021–24)
Christopher Shanahan (2025–present)
Preceded byKate Warner
Succeeded byChristopher Shahanan (acting)
Caroline Wells
Judge of the Federal Circuit Court
In office
27 October 2008 – 31 January 20211
Personal details
BornBarbara Avalon Baker
(1958-03-31) 31 March 1958
Hobart, Tasmania
SpouseDon Chalmers
Parents
University of Tasmania
ProfessionLawyer
Judge

Barbara Avalon Baker (born 31 March 1958) is an Australian barrister and former judge, who was the 29th governor of Tasmania from June 2021 to June 2026. She served on the Federal Circuit Court of Australia from 2008 to 2021. Baker was succeeded as governor by Caroline Wells on 17 June 2026.2

Early life

Baker was born on 31 March 1958 in Hobart, Tasmania,3 and raised in Sandy Bay. Her parents were Alison Burton, a tennis player, and Bob Baker, a lawyer who became a Liberal member of the Tasmanian Parliament.4 Baker studied arts and law at the University of Tasmania, graduating in 1980 (BA, LLB).3 She represented Tasmania in tennis and field hockey at under-18 level.5

Career

Baker was admitted to the legal profession in 1983. She joined Simmons Wolfhagen as a solicitor and later worked for the Office of the Solicitor-General. In 1993 she became the first female partner at Murdoch Clarke.5 As a lawyer Baker "specialised in family law and relationship matters".6 She served on the executive of the Law Society of Tasmania (1995–1996) and as president of the Family Law Practitioners' Association (2002).5

In 2008, Baker was appointed to the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia, the first Tasmanian woman to serve on the court. In 2013 the court was renamed the Federal Circuit Court and its members received the title "judge" rather than magistrate. She retired from the judiciary in January 2021 and returned to practise as a barrister at Burbury Chambers.5

Governor of Tasmania

In May 2021, Premier Peter Gutwein announced that Baker would succeed Kate Warner as governor of Tasmania with effect from 16 June.7 She stated that she would "focus on gender equality and family violence issues in the community", as well as encouraging participation in sport and acting as a role model for young lawyers.6 She also said that her personal views on the monarchy or republicanism were not relevant to the position.7

In the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia.8

Personal life

Baker is married to Don Chalmers AO, an emeritus professor of law at the University of Tasmania, and has two daughters.5

Baker captained Tasmania in indoor hockey. She was also an accomplished real tennis player, winning the singles and doubles events of the 1998 Australian Open.5

References

References

  1. Bird, Isabel (20 May 2021). "Governor Barbara Baker is a former Tasmanian lawyer and Federal Circuit Court of Australia judge". Launceston Examiner. Australian Community Media. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  2. "Healthcare leader named as Tasmania's new governor". ABC News. 5 May 2026. Retrieved 6 May 2026.
  3. "Baker, Hon. Barbara Avalon, (born 31 March 1958), Governor of Tasmania, since 2021". Who's Who 2023. Oxford University Press. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  4. Smith, Linda (16 June 2021). "Tasmania's 29th Governor Barbara Baker has been sworn in at a brief ceremony". The Mercury. Retrieved 20 June 2021.
  5. "Tasmania's 29th Governor". Tasmanian Government. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  6. Bird, Isabel (20 May 2021). "Governor Designate Barbara Baker is a former Tasmanian lawyer and Federal Circuit Court of Australia judge". The Advocate. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  7. Denholm, Matthew (20 May 2021). "Barbara Baker: Governor targets family violence but silent on republic". The Australian. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  8. "Ms Barbara Avalon Baker". It's An Honour. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.