Source : Perth Now news
The Albanese government has picked the corporate watchdog’s top lawyer Dr Ruth Higgins SC to be Australia’s next solicitor-general, making history as the first woman to take up the post.
Dr Higgins made headlines last year for spearheading the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s case into Star executives accused of turning of a blind eye to laundering risks and criminal associations at its casinos between 2017 and 2019.
Last month, the Federal Court found it true of former chief executive Matthias Bekier and former chief legal and risk officer Paula Martin, who now face financial penalties.
In her new role announced on Monday, Dr Higgins will serve as the second-highest ranking law officer in the Commonwealth.
The role is independent of the government of the day.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said it is vital to “promoting the integrity of the rule of law and trust in Government and public institutions”.
“Dr Higgins’ experience, ability and acumen will see the Commonwealth well represented in significant legal matters, and I have every confidence in her ability to undertake this important work,” Ms Rowland said.
Dr Higgins will replace Dr Stephen Donaghue KC, who resigned late last year to take a spot on Victoria’s Court of Appeal.
