Equal Opportunity Tribunal President and Deputies announced

10/08/00
The Attorney General Peter Foss today announced the appointments of Len Roberts-Smith QC as President, and Brahma Dharmananda and Grant Donaldson as joint Deputy Presidents, of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal.
The Equal Opportunity Tribunal deals with complaints of unlawful discrimination arising under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 which cannot be resolved by the Equal Opportunity Commission's normal conciliation process.
"Mr Roberts-Smith is a well respected individual in his many areas of expertise. I am delighted that such an accomplished gentleman will be at the helm of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal," said Mr Foss.
Mr Len Roberts-Smith, originally from South Australia, has previously held the position of Deputy President of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal for 11 years.
He was also the Foundation Director of the Legal Aid Commission of Western Australia in 1978.
"An interesting aspect to Mr Roberts-Smith's career was his move to Papua New Guinea in 1970 to take up the position of Chief Crown Prosecutor. Upon Papua New Guinea's independence in 1975 he became the country's first Public Prosecutor," Mr Foss said.
Appointed a Queen's Counsel in December 1989, Mr Roberts-Smith has held a number of prominent community positions such as former Chairman of the Citizen's Advice Bureau of WA (Inc) and of the State Advisory Panel for Translators and Interpreters.
He holds the rank of Colonel in the Australian Army Legal Corps Reserve and has been a military Judge Advocate and Defence Force Magistrate since 1985.
"Mr Roberts-Smith's appointment left two positions vacant for Deputy President, however we were able to appoint two well-qualified lawyers from our initial call for applications to fill the one position," Mr Foss said.
"I congratulate both Mr Dharmananda and Mr Donaldson on their successful applications."
Brahma Dharmananda partner of the Perth centre of Mallesons Stephen Jaques since 1994 working in the national dispute resolution group specialises in general commercial litigation graduated from University of Western Australia in 1986.
Mr Dharmananda regularly appears before the Supreme Court, Federal Court and the High Court of Australia and is an advocate of alternative dispute resolution. He has also delivered a number of papers on a wide range of subjects including banking, law, equity, insolvency and constitutional law.
Grant Donaldson graduated from the University of Western Australia and is a barrister and former partner in Mallesons Stephens Jaques, as well as Senior Assistant Crown Counsel. Mr Donaldson's considerable experience in commercial and employment law matters appears matched by his interest in football - demonstrated by his position as Director of the Fremantle Football Club from 1994 -97. Mr Donaldson has been admitted to the Supreme Courts of Victoria and New South Wales and the High Court of Australia.
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