ACAT PRESIDENTIAL MEMBERS ANNOUNCED

The Attorney General, Simon Corbell, today announced the appointment of the two full-time presidential members of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

"I am pleased to announce Linda Crebbin and Bill Stefaniak will be the two full-time presidential members of the new ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal," Mr Corbell said.

"Ms Crebbin will be the General President, and will be responsible for the overall administration of the tribunal and the allocation of tribunal members to hear applications.

"Ms Crebbin has extensive experience across a broad spectrum of the law, including civil law, mental health, consumer protection, domestic violence, care and protection, family law, criminal law and commercial litigation, including bankruptcy and trades practices disputes. She is the Children and Young People Commissioner and Disability and Community Services Commissioner, and was previously Deputy Chief Executive of the ACT Legal Aid Commission.

"Mr Stefaniak will be Appeal President, who will be responsible for referrals and appeals in the new tribunal and the allocation of tribunal members to hear appeal applications. Mr Stefaniak has a long and ongoing interest in the development of the law in the ACT, having served with distinction as a private solicitor, public prosecutor and army reserve lawyer.

"As a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Stefaniak has served as Minister in a wide range of portfolios including Attorney General, served on select and standing committees including the Legal Affairs Committee and initiated and developed numerous pieces of legislation.

"Both Ms Crebbin and Mr Stefaniak are exceptional candidates and I am delighted they have accepted these roles. They will both have distinct responsibilities in the new Tribunal, but will work together to ensure the Tribunal functions effectively and efficiently.

"The ACT Labor Government has reformed the tribunal system to improve access to justice, reduce costs and provide better support to tribunal members and registry staff.

"The new ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal will consist of four divisions, including Civil Disputes, Administrative Review, Occupational Discipline and the General Division, consolidating the functions of 16 jurisdictions and tribunals into one organisation. It will also incorporate a range of occupational disciplinary bodies and various consumer and regulatory bodies.

"Ms Crebbin will commence in her new role later this year. Mr Stefaniak will start in his new role in mid-November. They will undertake the significant task of consolidating the functions of the 16 previous tribunals and jurisdictions and establishing new processes and procedures ahead of the ACAT commencing full operation early in 2009."

The Government is still considering candidates for the part-time presidential position and candidates for senior and ordinary members. Announcements on these positions will be made in due course.