George Turnbull appointed director of Legal Aid Commission of WA

22/6/99
Attorney General Peter Foss and Legal Aid Commission chairman Malcolm McCusker QC have announced that on the recommendation of the Legal Aid Commission, the Governor has appointed Mr George Turnbull to the position of director of the Legal Aid Commission of Western Australia.
Mr Foss said the commission's unanimous decision to recommend Mr Turnbull was made after advertising the position Australia-wide.
Applicants who were short listed from a high quality field were interviewed by a panel consisting of Mr McCusker, Rick Cullen and Brenda Robbins (Commissioners) and Alan Piper (Director General, Ministry of Justice).
Mr Turnbull was until June 1998 the director of the Victorian Office of the Australian Government Solicitor and was previously Director of the New South Wales and South Australian offices. During the 1980s he was Deputy Crown Solicitor and Director for Western Australia.
"Mr Turnbull filled those positions with distinction, and has demonstrated a capacity to meet the challenge of managing the commission, and to provide strong leadership and motivation to its in-house practice," Mr McCusker said.
"We are confident Mr Turnbull will maintain and promote a close working relationship with the private legal profession, whose assistance and co-operation is so vital to the provision of legal aid in WA."
Mr Turnbull's appointment comes after a two-year period, during which no appointment of director was made, pending mooted legislative changes.
"Mr Robert Lindsay has been Acting Director during that difficult period," Mr McCusker said.
"I wish to publicly acknowledge and thank Mr Lindsay on behalf of the commission for his conscientious performance of the duties of that office."
Mr Turnbull commences duties on July 12 and has been appointed for a three-year term.
Media Contact: Chris Morris 9321 2222