Australian Capital Territory
ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Non-Presidential Members) Appointment 2015 (No 6)
Disallowable instrument DI2015–314
made under the  
ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 96 (Appointment of non-presidential members)
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

This instrument appoints Ms Heidi Robinson as a full-time senior member of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal for the period commencing 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020.

Under section 96 of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, the Attorney-General may appoint a person as an ordinary or senior member of the ACAT.

The Attorney-General may only appoint a person to the tribunal as a non-presidential senior member or ordinary member if satisfied that the person has the experience or expertise to qualify the person to exercise the functions of a senior or ordinary member.

Regulation 6 of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Regulation 2009 sets out what the Attorney-General must consider in appointing a senior member to the ACAT. Section 6 provides that the Attorney-General must take reasonable steps to ensure that the tribunal has sufficient members with relevant interests, qualifications or experience to allow the tribunal to exercise its functions.

Ms Robinson has been at the ACT Bar since August 2014.  Prior to this she worked in the office of the ACT Government Solicitor where she was appointed Special Counsel, Employment and Industrial Relations in July 2009, having been a Principal and Senior Solicitor, Government Law (2007-08). She is an experienced litigator who has experience in the more complex areas of the ACAT jurisdiction, particularly the review of government decisions, and has appeared in ACAT as both an instructing solicitor and advocate.