Solicitor-General of the Australian Capital Territory

The Solicitor-General of Australian Capital Territory, often referred to as the Solicitor-General, is the territory's Second Law Officer, and the deputy of the Attorney-General. The Solicitor-General can exercise the powers of the Attorney-General in their absence. The Solicitor-General acts alongside the Crown Advocate and Crown Solicitor, and serves as one of the legal and constitutional advisers of the Crown and its government in the Australian Capital Territory.[1]

Solicitor-General of Australian Capital Territory
Incumbent
Peter Garrisson AM SC
Justice and Community Safety Directorate
Reports toAttorney-General of the Australian Capital Territory
AppointerACT Legislative Assembly
Inaugural holderPeter Garrison AM SC
Formation2011

The Solicitor-General is addressed in court as "Mr/Ms Solicitor". Despite the title, the position is currently occupied by a barrister, though any Australian legal practitioner of at least five years experience is eligible for appointment for a term of no more than seven years.[2] The inaugural and current Solicitor-General is Peter Garrison AM SC.[1][3]

History and function

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The Law Officers Act 2011 (ACT) (the Act) provides for the office of Solicitor-General. The Act provides for an appointment for a term not exceeding seven years, with the possibility of renewal.[2]

Office-holders (2011-present)

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Name Appointed Concluded Comments Notes
Peter Garrison AM SC August 2011 Incumbent Formerly Deputy Chief Solicitor [1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Our Leadership Team | ACT Government Solicitor". actgs.act.gov.au. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  2. ^ a b Law Officers Act 2011 (ACT) s 16.
  3. ^ "ACT appoints solicitor-general". ABC News. 23 August 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2022.