WA Supreme Court Judge to head up CCC

8/05/07
Western Australian Supreme Court Judge Len Roberts-Smith has been appointed as the Commissioner of the Corruption and Crime Commission.
Attorney General Jim McGinty said Justice Roberts-Smith had extensive legal experience and a strong background in criminal law and public administration.
"Justice Roberts-Smith is highly regarded by his peers and has had an outstanding career as a lawyer, public prosecutor and judge," Mr McGinty said.
"A strong and vigilant anti-corruption watchdog is vital to a modern 21st century democracy.
"With Commissioner Roberts-Smith, the community can be confident that the CCC will handle its investigations into corruption and misconduct with skill and fairness.
"Justice Roberts-Smith is well equipped to deal with the significant issues that are investigated by the CCC."
Justice Roberts-Smith replaces retiring inaugural CCC Commissioner Mr Kevin Hammond.
One of his first tasks will be to oversee the completion of the current investigation into lobbying of public sector and local government employees and officials.
Justice Roberts-Smith said the CCC was an extremely important and unique institution in the fabric of the State.
"I am very conscious of the fact that while the commission is an instrument of the Parliament, it must operate independently, without fear or favour and with a proper appreciation of the very considerable powers which it has," he said.
"This is particularly so with respect to the need to safeguard personal reputations.
"Being asked to head such an organisation is a great responsibility."
The CCC was formed in January 2004 to oversee the reporting and investigation of misconduct and corruption in the WA public sector, to improve the integrity of the public sector and reduce the incidence of misconduct and organised crime.
Justice Roberts-Smith graduated as a lawyer in South Australia in 1969 and held several legal posts in Papua New Guinea, before becoming the country's first public prosecutor after it obtained independence in 1975.
He was the foundation director of Legal Aid in WA for 11 years before returning to private practice at the bar in February 1989.
In December that year, Justice Roberts-Smith was made a Queen's Counsel. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2000.
Since 2002, he has been the Judge Advocate General of the Australian Defence Force with the rank of Major General.
In 2005, Justice Roberts-Smith became an inaugural member of the WA Court of Appeal.
The appointment will become effective on June 5, for a period of five years.
Justice Roberts-Smith will not be involved in the CCC's inquiry into the Andrew Mallard case.
Retired New South Wales Supreme Court Judge Mr John Dunford QC has been appointed to lead that inquiry, which is expected to take up to six months to complete.
Minister's office - 9422 3000