Media Release – Statement by President Christopher Blanden QC on election of new Victorian Bar Council

The newly elected 21 Bar Councillors are an apolitical and diverse group of barristers, representative of the diverse membership of the Victorian Bar.  They include 9 women.  We are particularly delighted that the executive includes an unprecedented 4 women.

The new Bar Council has elected the following office bearers:

• Mr Christopher Blanden QC – President
• Ms Róisín Annesley QC – Senior Vice President
• Ms Helen Rofe QC – Junior Vice President
• Ms Mary Anne Hartley QC – Honorary Treasurer
• Ms Robyn Sweet – Assistant Honorary Treasurer

The office bearers were elected by secret ballot, as has always been the tradition at the Bar Council.

The 2021 Bar Council acknowledges the service of our predecessors on the Bar Council and particularly the outgoing office bearers Ms Wendy Harris QC, Mr Simon Marks QC, Mr Sam Hay QC, Mr Stewart Maiden QC and Ms Gabi Crafti.  This year has been a challenging year for all.  Like us, our predecessors have believed in the great institution that is the Victorian Bar and have sought to contribute to its fabric.

We look forward to getting to work on behalf of our members and working closely with the Courts and with both the State and Federal Attorneys-General.