Media Release – Prominent Melbourne Barrister Appointed Judge Advocate General

In offering his congratulations, the current President of the Victorian Bar Council, Christopher Blanden QC, said the Judge Advocate General continues to build on his outstanding record of public service.

“He headed the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday bushfires in which 173 lives were lost and later was appointed by the Victorian Government to conduct a review of Victoria Police senior command,” he said.

“Both were extremely challenging roles.”

The Judge Advocate General has been a member of the Navy reserve for more than 30 years.

The Judge Advocate General plays a vital role in the Australian Defence Force and is the ultimate authority for the Australian Military Justice jurisdiction, including all Courts Martial and military tribunals. The position provides the final legal review of all legal proceedings as well as participating in the appointment of judge advocates, defence force magistrates, presidents and members of court martials. In effect, the Judge Advocate General is the Chief Justice of the Australian Military Justice jurisdiction.

The appointment follows the conclusion of Rear Admiral the Honourable Michael Slattery AM RAN term as Judge Advocate General.