Robert Cornall | |
---|---|
11th Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department | |
In office 24 January 2000 – 31 August 2008 | |
Preceded by | Tony Blunn |
Succeeded by | Roger Wilkins |
Personal details | |
Born | Robert John Cornall Melbourne |
Nationality | Australian |
Alma mater | University of Melbourne |
Occupation | Public servant |
Robert John Cornall AO is a retired Australian senior public servant, he was head of the Attorney-General's Department between 2000 and 2008.
Robert Cornall was born in Melbourne.[1] He attended Wesley College, then studied for a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Melbourne, graduating in 1968.[2]
In January 1968, Cornall took up a position in the lawfirm Oswald Burt & Co (later Middeltons Oswald Burt, Solicitors).[2] He was promoted to Partner of the firm in July 1972.[2]
Cornall left Middeltons Oswald Burt, Solicitors in 1987 and moved to a position as Executive Director and Secretary of the not-for-profit member-based Law Institute of Victoria.[2][3]
Between December 1995 and December 1999, Cornall was the Managing Director of Victoria Legal Aid.[4]
Cornall was appointed Secretary of the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department in 2000.[5] In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, the Attorney-General's Department was responsible for implementing the Howard government's national security agenda.[6] The department grew rapidly in numbers under Cornall's leadership, from 550 staff to over 1500.[6]
Cornall retired from the Attorney-General's Department in July 2008.[7]
On 30 July 2017 he became Acting President of the Australian Law Reform Commission.[8]
In 2006, Cornall was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to the community through contributions to the development of public policy, particularly counter-terrorism arrangements in a changing global security environment and through providing advice and governance across a diverse range of responsibilities within the civil justice system.[4]