The Andrews Labor Government today announced the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Michelle Quigley as the new President of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Justice Quigley was appointed to the Supreme Court in December last year and is the first woman to be appointed as the President of VCAT.
Prior to her Supreme Court appointment, Justice Quigley spent almost 30 years as a barrister specialising in administrative law, including planning and environmental law, and land valuation and acquisition.
As a barrister she was involved in several high-profile inquiries into environmental matters and planning amendments, regularly appearing before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, VCAT and Planning Panels Victoria.
She has received several awards, including the National Australia Day Committee ‘Citizen of the Year’ award in 2001 for her contribution to the City of Yarra by providing legal assistance with planning and heritage matters, and planning policy formulation.
She was also awarded the PILCH/Law Foundation Pro Bono Award in 2000 for her work assisting the Abbotsford Convent Coalition to oppose the redevelopment of the Heritage Victoria listed St Heliers Convent.
Justice Quigley was admitted to legal practice in 1987, joined the Victorian Bar in 1988, and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2002.
She replaces Justice Greg Garde AO RFD as President of VCAT. Justice Garde has served as President for six years, and will now return to the Supreme Court.
Established in 1998, VCAT is Australia’s busiest tribunal, dealing with more than 85,000 cases annually at more than 46 venues across the state, including administrative, civil, residential tenancy and human rights disputes.
Justice Quigley will begin work as VCAT President from 1 June.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“VCAT plays a crucial role in helping Victorians to resolve a large number of disputes every year, and I congratulate Justice Quigley on her appointment to this important tribunal.”
“Justice Quigley brings extensive experience in administrative, planning and environmental law, making her an excellent choice to lead VCAT into the future.”
“I thank Justice Garde for his six years of leadership and dedicated service as the President of VCAT, and wish him well for his full-time return to the Supreme Court.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020