Mary-Therese Daniel, a presidential member of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT), will be the Tribunal’s next President, Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury has announced.

Ms Daniel was appointed in 2012 as ACAT’s first full-time non-presidential member and promoted in 2015 to presidential member. She also served as Temporary President for an extended period in 2021.

“Ms Daniel’s strong commitment to the aims and objectives of the Tribunal have been reflected in her energetic and resourceful approach to her role as a Tribunal member since 2012 and as a presidential member since 2015,” Mr Rattenbury said.

An Australian National University graduate who has lived in Canberra during her working life, Ms Daniel joined ACAT with more than 15 years of diverse legal experience in government and private practice.  This included roles with the Family Court of Australia, national firm MinterEllison, Legal Aid ACT, the ACT Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the ACT Government Solicitor, where she finished as a Principal Solicitor.

Ms Daniel’s seven-year appointment as President will begin on 18 September 18, giving her responsibility for the orderly and prompt discharge of all ACAT business, and ensuring that its decisions are made according to law.

“I’m honoured and it’s a privilege to be given the responsibility of serving the Canberra community in this role after the incredible leadership demonstrated by Graeme Neate AM, and prior to him, Linda Crebbin, the first ACAT president,” Ms Daniel said.

“I welcome the opportunity to lead the Tribunal over the next seven years, providing access to justice in an increasingly digital world.”

“I’m committed to promoting public trust and confidence in the Tribunal and its conduct of proceedings by ensuring we provide simple, inexpensive, accessible and fair resolution of disputes.”

“Ms Daniel will ably lead the management of the Tribunal as it prepares for its digital future. I look forward to seeing ACAT continue to evolve under her leadership as it serves our growing community in resolving disputes and achieving justice,” Mr Rattenbury said.

She succeeds the late Graeme Neate AM, who had served as ACAT President from January 2017 until his death in June.

“It was a privilege to work with Graeme Neate, an exceptional lawyer and human being who had served our community as President of ACAT since January 2017,” Mr Rattenbury said.

Mr Rattenbury thanked presidential member Mr Geoffrey McCarthy, who has served as Temporary President in the interim.