Three Queen's Counsel appointed

21/4/93

The State Government has re-affirmed its support for the convention of Queen's Counsel.

Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes said three members of the legal profession - Peter Nisbet, Wayne Martin and Dr Anthony Dickey - had been appointed Queen's Counsel by the Governor on advice of Executive Council. 

Peter Nisbet helped establish the Australian Legal Aid Office in Perth in 1974, joined the Independent Bar in 1988 and is a respected practitioner in common law litigation, industrial law and personal injury work.

Wayne Martin joined the law firm Keall Brinsden and was its senior litigation partner from 1984 to 1988.  He joined the Independent Bar in 1988, is currently a member of the Bar Association Council and is the Convenor of the Law Council of Australia's privacy law committee.

Dr Anthony Dickey is a member of the academic staff of the University of Western Australia.  He joined the Independent Bar in 1980 and is principally involved in family law.

"There is no doubt that Queen's Counsel fulfil a worthwhile role and are a necessary part of the legal profession," Mrs Edwardes said. 

"Those selected as a Queen's Counsel are extremely competent and have shown their independence and ability to handle complex and contentious cases. 

"They are often also called upon to perform important public duties, such as acting as special investigators for commissions of inquiry."  

Mrs Edwardes, in congratulating the three new appointees, said Queen's Counsel were advocates of ability who had been selected through a rigorous, open and critical process.

Recommendations for appointment were made by the Chief Justice after extensive consultation with other members of the judiciary, the Solicitor General, the Bar Association and the Law Society.

"Queen's Counsel have extremely stringent standards and ethics to conform to - and are available to appear for any member of the public," the Attorney General said.

"People should have the opportunity and choice to seek the advice and services of Queen's Counsel as part of the legal system - it is not the intention of this Government to restrict or remove that choice."

Media contact: Casey Cahill 222 9595