A & E Legal

11/11/2024

26/07/2024

Congratulations to His Honour Michael Corby SC

Congratulations to the Hon Michael Corboy SC in his appointment!

The new CCC Deputy Commissioner position was created by amendments to the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003 (WA) earlier this year.

His career as a Judge, barrister and solicitor spans more than four decades.

He retired as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia in April 2023 after serving on the bench for 13 years.

The Hon Michael Corboy SC joined the judiciary in 2010 as a Commercial and Managed Cases list Judge, presiding in that area for about four years.

He subsequently presided over criminal matters including homicide and drug importation trials.

He was also a member of the Court of the Appeal and, in 2019, became the Judge in charge of the Supreme Court's criminal lists, a position he held until retiring from the court.

Prior to his time as a Judge, he practised for about 15 years as a barrister on the Independent Bar.

He appeared in complex commercial and corporate cases as well as trade practices, taxation, professional indemnity, and public and regulatory law matters.

The Hon Michael Corboy SC worked on some high-profile cases including acting for the liquidator of the Bell Group companies in the long-running Bell litigation.

He often acted for the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Taxation at all levels from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to the High Court, including on fraudulent tax schemes.

His barrister days between 1996 and 2010 included terms as chairperson, vice-chairperson and a board member of Francis Burt Chambers.

He was also previously a partner at two legal firms and, in 2002, appointed a Senior Counsel.

The Hon Michael Corboy SC commences his five-year term as CCC Deputy Commissioner on 29 July 2024.

Full announcement >> https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/Former-Supreme-Court-Judge-appointed-CCC-Deputy-Commissioner-20240724

19/07/2024

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to Clare Thompson SC on her appointment to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal!

Deputy Presidents have been appointed across states and territories, working under the Hon Justice Emilios Kyrou AO, who is President of the Tribunal.

It follows a process that will see the AAT replaced by the Administrative Review Tribunal. The appointees will initially commence their terms at the AAT to ensure it maintains capacity to hear matters in the period prior to commencement of the ART. They will transition to the ART when it commences on 14 October 2024. Each of these appointees were assessed as suitable for appointment by an independent selection panel through a transparent and merit-based process, which is a central feature of the reform.

The other appointees are Simone Burford, Kruna Dordevic, Gina Lazanas, Kathryn McMillan KC and Damien O’Donovan. We congratulate all of them.

Ms Thompson was admitted to practice in Western Australia in 1994, working at the firm now known as Herbert Smith Freehills until beginning practice as a barrister in 2004.

Ms Thompson was appointed Senior Counsel in 2021. She practises principally in taxation disputes, but also practises in banking law and estates and probate litigation.

Ms Thompson was President of Women Lawyers of Western Australia from 2019-2022. She was President of the Law Society of Western Australia in 2002 and has served on various committees continuously since 1997.

Ms Thompson was Chair of the Legal Costs Committee from 2016-2023, and a Member since 2002. She has held a series of other roles in the profession and the wider community.

Full announcement about the appointments and process for the ART >> https://ministers.ag.gov.au/media-centre/administrative-review-tribunal-commence-october-19-07-2024

18/07/2024

Congratulations Eleanor!

We are pleased to welcome Eleanor Scarff as the new ALA Branch President for Western Australia. Eleanor is the Founder and Practice Director of Scarff Compensation Lawyers and practises exclusively in personal injuries.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ian Murray who previously held this position and has now stepped into the role of President Elect on the National Council.

16/07/2024

23/02/2023

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WorkCover WA is pleased to announce the Hon. Bill Johnston, MLA, Minister for Industrial Relations, tabled in Parliament the Bill to modernise Western Australia’s workers compensation laws.

For the full story, visit https://bit.ly/theBill

02/02/2023

WorkCover WA reviews the performance of insurers each year. These reviews are an important tool to maintain oversight of the scheme and continue strengthening outcomes for injured workers and employers.

Over the next two weeks we will meet with all approved insurers, such as the team from QBE Insurance Australia, to discuss their performance, emerging issues within the industry and our focus for the coming year.

01/02/2023

Last week’s 2023 Australia Day Honours List named Federal Court Chief Justice James Allsop as a Companion of the Order of Australia, with numerous other legal professionals being recognised for the

27/10/2022

Congratulations to our new SCs!

Congratulations to the new silks!

Appointment as Senior Counsel (SC) is based on eminence in the practice of law, especially in advocacy, unquestioned integrity, availability and independence. A committee advises the Chief Justice on applications for appointment.

The Committee, chaired by Chief Justice Quinlan, comprised the President of the Court of Appeal (the Hon Justice Michael Buss), the Senior Judge of the Supreme Court (the Hon Justice Kenneth Martin), the President of the State Administrative Tribunal (the Hon Justice Janine Pritchard), a judge of the Federal Court (the Hon Justice Katrina Banks-Smith), the Chief Judge of the Family Court (the Hon Justice Gail Sutherland) and the Chief Judge of the District Court (her Honour Judge Julie Wager).

Full announcement >>https://www.supremecourt.wa.gov.au/_files/SeniorCounselAppointmentsMediaStatement26thOctober2022.pdf

19/09/2022

The funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will take place today from 6:00pm (AWST), paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's life of service as Head of State, Nation, and Commonwealth.

The service will be held at Westminster Abbey in London, and will be followed by a Committal Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

You can watch the service via The Royal Family's livestream: https://fal.cn/3rZVE

The funeral will also be televised to Western Australians from 6:00pm

19/09/2022

WorkCover WA inspectors will be visiting Esperance on 29 September 2022 to conduct compliance checks and provide education regarding workers’ compensation. Employers, please have your insurer issued Certificate of Currency ready for inspection.

We encourage you to find out more about workers’ compensation by:
• watching our educational videos
• reading about compliance activities on our website bit.ly/3QRK7sT
• contacting our Advice and Assistance line on 1300 794 744

28/01/2022

Immensely proud!