August 1 2018 Opposition congratulates new Chief Justice The State Opposition has welcomed the appointment of WA’s new Chief Justice Peter Quinlan SC. Shadow Attorney General Hon Michael Mischin MLC said Mr Quinlan’s extensive legal and courtroom experience, both as a Government legal officer and in private practice, made him an ideal appointment to the position. The Barnett Government recognised this and the respect in which he was held by the profession when it appointed him as the State’s Solicitor-General in June 2016. “Mr Quinlan has a broad knowledge of public and constitutional law, and gave invaluable sound advice to the Barnett Government,” Mr Mischin said. “He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons 1st Class) from The University of Western Australia. “He joined the then Crown Solicitor’s Office in 1993 as Professional Research Assistant to the then Solicitor-General, before working as a Judge’s Associate at the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 1995. “He returned to the then Crown Solicitor’s Office in 1996, working in the areas of constitutional and administrative law, and was later appointed as Assistant Crown Counsel. “Mr Quinlan has also served as President of the WA Bar Association, director of the Law Council of Australia and on the Board of Governors for the University of Notre Dame. “He has also been active in promoting the interests of Indigenous Australians who find themselves within the State justice system. The State Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Aboriginal Constitutional Recognition, which reported recommending amendment to the Constitution Act 1889 (WA), drew on his legal advice. ” Mr Mischin said the Opposition welcomed Justice Quinlan’s public commitment to make justice services more accessible to ‘middle’ Western Australians. Mr Quinlan takes over from retiring Chief Justice, the Hon Wayne Martin QC. Media Contact |
