Administrative Appeals Tribunal appointments and reform process

The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP
Media Release

The Albanese Government has appointed two new Deputy Presidents and made short-term reappointment of 32 members and two Deputy Presidents to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

The appointments provide the AAT with continuity, stability and support to ensure its ongoing operation during this transition period.

The Honourable Justice Lisa Hespe and the Honourable Justice Geoffrey Kennett have been appointed as new Deputy Presidents for two-year terms.

Justice Hespe was appointed to the Federal Court of Australia in 2022, preceded by a 27‑year career as a lawyer, including five years as a Senior Member of the AAT.

Justice Kennett was also appointed to the Federal Court of Australia in 2022. Prior to that appointment, Justice Kennett had an extensive career in the Australian Public Service, including as Counsel Assisting the Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth, before being called to the NSW Bar in 1998. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2010.

Justices Hespe and Kennett bring extensive experience and expertise across a range of relevant practice areas and will enhance the AAT’s capacity to consider matters within its jurisdiction.

Thirty-four reappointments have also been made to the AAT on a short-term basis until 22 December 2023. This includes 32 members and two Deputy Presidents, Ms Jan Redfern PSM and Mr Ian Molloy. Consistent with the requirements for short-term reappointments to the AAT, views were sought from the Acting President of the AAT about members’ suitability for short-term reappointment and the ongoing operational needs of the AAT.

On behalf of the Government, I congratulate Justice Hespe, Justice Kennett, and the reappointed Deputy Presidents and members on their respective appointments.

Reform update

The Government is continuing work to develop legislation to establish a new federal administrative review body.

The recent consultation process received 120 formal submissions and 287 short form responses to the public issues paper.

These submissions, together with contributions from stakeholders at events held during the consultation period, will inform the design of the new body. As will the advice from the Expert Advisory Group chaired by former High Court Justice the Honourable Patrick Keane AC KC.

Information about the reform process is available on the Attorney-General's Department website.

Appointments to the AAT

Deputy Presidents

  • Honourable Justice Lisa Hespe

  • Honourable Justice Geoffrey Kennett

Short-term reappointments to the AAT

Deputy Presidents

  • Ms Jan Redfern PSM
  • Mr Ian Molloy

Members

  • Mr David Barker
  • Mr Michael Biviano
  • Mr Peter Booth
  • Mr Michael Bradford
  • Dr Christhilde Breheny
  • Ms Nicole Burns
  • Ms Justine Clarke
  • Ms Christine Cody
  • Mr Damian Creedon
  • Mr Brendan Darcy
  • Ms Nicola Findson
  • Ms Tania Flood
  • Ms Margaret Forrest
  • Mr Nicholas Gaudion
  • Mr Peter Haag
  • Ms Linda Holub
  • Ms Noelle Hossen
  • Ms Penelope Hunter
  • Ms Christine Kannis
  • Mr Roger Maguire
  • Ms Deborah Mitchell
  • Mr Peter Newton SC
  • Professor Julie Quinlivan
  • Ms Tamara Quinn
  • Mr Frank Russo
  • Ms Roslyn Smidt
  • Mr David Thompson
  • Mr Ian Thompson
  • Mr Dominic Triaca
  • Mr Peter Vlahos
  • Brigadier Anthony Warner AM LVO (Rtd)
  • Mr Paul Windsor