I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Mr Robert Cornall to be Secretary
of the Attorney-General's Department following the retirement of Mr Tony
Blunn.
Mr Cornall is currently the Managing Director of Victoria Legal Aid, a position
he has held since December 1995. He has extensive experience in the law
and in administration having in the past been Executive Director and Secretary
of the Law Institute of Victoria and a partner and managing partner in a
private legal firm. His work with Victoria Legal Aid involved establishing
a new organisation and required strong and innovative financial and staff
management skills.
Mr Cornall will take up his five year appointment on 24 January 2000.
In announcing Mr Cornall's appointment, I wish also to pay tribute to Mr
Blunn who has served the Commonwealth with great distinction in many capacities
during a career spanning over 40 years. Mr Blunn has chosen to retire with
effect from 17 December 1999. His advice and dedicated public service have
been greatly appreciated by the present Government and its predecessors.