Australian Bar Association
| Type | Bar association |
|---|---|
Region served | Australia |
The Australian Bar Association (ABA) is the peak body representing more than 6,000 barristers throughout Australia.
The ABA was established in 1963 to serve, promote and represent its members, and advocate for fair and equal justice for all.[1] The ABA’s members are barristers registered to practise law in Australia and who are also members of a State or Territory Bar Association.[2]
The ABA's vision is to be the national voice for the independent Bars of Australia. Its purpose is to promote the administration of justice, the rule of law and the excellence of the Bar. The ABA supports its members and the community by delivering services to promote the rule of law and access to justice; fostering a collegiate, inclusive and diverse national association of barristers; maintaining and enhancing professional standards; and providing opportunities for members to enhance professional performance.[3]
The current President of the ABA is Peter Dunning KC (Queensland). Roisin Annesley KC (VIC) and Dominic Toomey SC (NSW) are Vice-Presidents, Andrew Muller (ACT) is Treasurer and Ian Robertson SC (SA) is chair of the Advocacy Training Council.[4]
Constituent Bar Associations
The ABA's constituent Bar Associations are:
- Australian Capital Territory Bar Association
- Bar Association of Queensland
- New South Wales Bar Association
- Northern Territory Bar Association
- South Australian Bar Association
- The Tasmanian Bar
- Victorian Bar Association
- Western Australian Bar Association
Presidents
The previous six Presidents[5] of the ABA are:
| President | State | Year |
| Fiona McLeod AO SC | VIC | 2015 |
| Patrick O'Sullivan QC | SA | 2016 |
| E William Alstergren QC | VIC | 2017 |
| Noel Hutley SC | NSW | 2018 |
| Jennifer Batrouney AM QC | VIC | 2019 |
| Matthew Howard SC | WA | 2020, 2021 |
| Dr Matt Collins AM KC | VIC | 2022 |
A number of previous Presidents of the ABA have subsequently been appointed to Federal and State Courts and Tribunals.
References
- ^ "About Us". austbar.asn.au. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ "Member Information". austbar.asn.au. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
- ^ "ABA | Australian Bar Association 2020-2025 Strategic Plan". austbar.asn.au. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
- ^ "ABA Council".
- ^ "Australian Bar Association - Past Office Holders". Australian Bar Association. Retrieved 23 March 2019.