New Secretary Appointed to Attorney-General's Department

The Prime Minister, John Howard, has announced the appointment of Mr. Robert Cornall as the new Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department.

The Secretary used to be known as the "permanent head" of the department, a coloquial title no longer used since Secretaries are now appointed on 5-year contracts. The Secretary is the administrative head of the department, reporting directly to the Minister.

This is the full text of Howard's announcement:

"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."