THE HON MARK DREYFUS KC MP
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
CABINET SECRETARY
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
Administrative Appeals Tribunal appointments and reform process
The Albanese Government has appointed two new Deputy Presidents, and made short-term reappointment of 32 members and two Deputy Presidents to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
The appointments provide the AAT with continuity, stability and support to ensure its ongoing operation during this transition period.
The Honourable Justice Lisa Hespe and the Honourable Justice Geoffrey Kennett have been appointed as new Deputy Presidents for two-year terms.
Justice Hespe was appointed to the Federal Court of Australia in 2022, preceded by a 27 year career as a lawyer, including five years as a Senior Member of the AAT.
Justice Kennett was also appointed to the Federal Court of Australia in 2022. Prior to that appointment, Justice Kennett had an extensive career in the Australian Public Service, including as Counsel Assisting the Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth, before being called to the NSW Bar in 1998. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2010.
Justices Hespe and Kennett bring extensive experience and expertise across a range of relevant practice areas and will enhance the AAT’s capacity to consider matters within its jurisdiction.
Thirty-four reappointments have also been made to the AAT on a short-term basis until 22 December 2023. This includes 32 members and two Deputy Presidents, Ms Jan Redfern PSM and Mr Ian Molloy. Consistent with the requirements for short-term reappointments to the AAT, views were sought from the Acting President of the AAT about members’ suitability for short-term reappointment and the ongoing operational needs of the AAT.
On behalf of the Government, I congratulate Justice Hespe, Justice Kennett, and the reappointed Deputy Presidents and members on their respective appointments.
Reform update
The Government is continuing work to develop legislation to establish a new federal administrative review body.
The recent consultation process received 120 formal submissions and 287 short form responses to the public issues paper.
These submissions, together with contributions from stakeholders at events held during the consultation period, will inform the design of the new body. As will the advice from the Expert Advisory Group chaired by former High Court Justice the Honourable Patrick Keane AC KC.
Information about the reform process is available on the Attorney-General's Department website.
Appointments to the AAT
Deputy Presidents
Honourable Justice Lisa Hespe
Honourable Justice Geoffrey Kennett
Short-term reappointments to the AAT
Deputy Presidents
Ms Jan Redfern PSM
Mr Ian Molloy
Members
Mr David Barker
Mr Michael Biviano
Mr Peter Booth
Mr Michael Bradford
Dr Christhilde Breheny
Ms Nicole Burns
Ms Justine Clarke
Ms Christine Cody
Mr Damian Creedon
Mr Brendan Darcy
Ms Nicola Findson
Ms Tania Flood
Ms Margaret Forrest
Mr Nicholas Gaudion
Mr Peter Haag
Ms Linda Holub
Ms Noelle Hossen
Ms Penelope Hunter
Ms Christine Kannis
Mr Roger Maguire
Ms Deborah Mitchell
Mr Peter Newton SC
Professor Julie Quinlivan
Ms Tamara Quinn
Mr Frank Russo
Ms Roslyn Smidt
Mr David Thompson
Mr Ian Thompson
Mr Dominic Triaca
Mr Peter Vlahos
Brigadier Anthony Warner AM LVO (Rtd)
Mr Paul Windsor
Friday, 2 June 2023
