2 May 2003
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission welcomes the appointment of the new President
Professor Alice Tay, President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission today warmly welcomed the appointment of the Honourable Justice John William von Doussa as the new President of the Commission. Justice von Doussa will take up his appointment on 10 June 2003.
Justice von Doussa has practised law since being admitted to the Supreme Court of South Australia in 1962. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1978. Since 1988 he has been a Federal Court judge and prior to that he was a judge of the South Australian Supreme Court for two years.
From 1992 until 30 April 2003 he was also a part time Commissioner of the Australian Law Reform Commission. He has held a number of other positions including presidential member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal; and President of the Australian Competition Tribunal.
Professor Tay whose term as President ends on 31 May 2003 said "I am pleased to be able to hand over the important work as President of the Commission to such a distinguished and experienced legal practitioner."
"I am confident that Justice von Doussa's experience will well-equip him to lead the Commission in its ongoing work in the promotion and protection of human rights for all Australians".
"I hand over the reins of the Commission to Justice von Doussa with pride in the outstanding work done by the Commissioners and staff during my five years as President, and in confidence that Justice von Doussa will make his tenure a glorious one which will have the respect of all those interested in human rights issues both domestically and internationally."
Media Contact: Jan Payne, Director - Public Affairs, HREOC (02) 9284 9791.
Last updated 2 May 2003.
