AUSTRALIAN BAR ASSOCIATION WELCOMES NEW FEDERAL ATTORNEY-GENERAL CHRISTIAN PORTER

19 December 2017

AUSTRALIAN BAR ASSOCIATION WELCOMES NEW FEDERAL ATTORNEY-GENERAL CHRISTIAN PORTER

The Australian Bar Association (ABA) welcomes the announcement today of the appointment of Christian Porter MP as the 37th Attorney-General for Australia.

The ABA pays tribute to the retiring Attorney-General, The Hon George Brandis QC, for his service to the law and to the Australian Bars, particularly in relation to:

  • marriage equality,
  • strengthening national security legislation,
  • ratifying OPCAT - the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
  • establishing the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory, and
  • defending the rule of law, the separation of powers and the independence of the legal profession.

ABA President Noel Hutley SC said: “The Attorney-General has displayed a lengthy commitment to public service and the positions he has taken on many issues, most recently marriage equality, and the current review of the family law system, have been greatly appreciated by the Australian Bar.”

“The ABA looks forward to working with Mr Porter on the many important issues within the Attorney-General's portfolio, including consideration of the implementation of recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory and the current review of the family law system.”

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Mick Paskos 0412 201 044 or mpaskos@onmessage.com.au