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Michelle Quigley first woman to lead VCAT
Justice Michelle Quigley has been announced as the new Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) president, just five months after being appointed to the Supreme Court Bench.
Melissa Coade
Michelle Quigley (pictured) will be the first woman to hold the position. She replaces Justice Greg Garde AO RFD who is returning to the Supreme Court bench after serving as VCAT president for the past six years.
“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,” Mr Pakula said.
Prior to her judicial appointment in December 2017, Justice Quigley was a barrister for nearly 30 years. Her practice specialised in administrative law, including planning and environmental law and land valuation and acquisition.
The AG noted that Justice Quigley’s background made her a good fit for the role of VCAT president.
“Justice Quigley brings extensive experience in administrative, planning and environmental law, making her an excellent choice to lead VCAT into the future,” Mr Pakula said.
“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,” he added.
The Victorian Bar also issued a statement welcoming news of Justice Quigley’s pending VCAT role. The statement said that the judge would serve as the sixth president of the tribunal, taking it into its 21st year of operation.
“Justice Quigley was appointed to the Supreme Court on 19 December 2017 and sworn-in the following day,” the Victorian Bar said.
“Her Honour had practised law for more than 30 years, more than 29 years as a barrister and, of those, 15 years as senior counsel.”
