Four senior Australian Public Service lawyers have been appointed Commonwealth Queen’s Counsel.
The appointees are Mr Timothy Begbie, Mr Andrew Berger, Mr Leo Hardiman PSM and Mr Peter Quiggin PSM.
Appointment as Commonwealth Queen’s Counsel recognises advocates and practitioners with significant experience at high levels, and outstanding skills and expertise, in a field of Commonwealth law.
Mr Begbie is Senior General Counsel, Dispute Resolution, with the Australian Government Solicitor. For 20 years, Mr Begbie has advised the Commonwealth and appeared as counsel throughout Australia in public law matters including in significant civil penalty, law enforcement and national security cases.
Mr Berger is Senior General Counsel, Dispute Resolution with the Australian Government Solicitor. Mr Berger has advised and represented the Commonwealth for 25 years appearing in Royal Commissions, Inquests and Inquiries and for Commonwealth agencies in significant matters in the High Court, the Federal Court and numerous other courts and tribunals.
Mr Hardiman PSM is Deputy Chief General Counsel and National Leader, Office of General Counsel with the Australian Government Solicitor. Mr Hardiman has advised the Commonwealth for over 30 years in many important and sensitive areas. Mr Hardiman was awarded a Public Service Medal in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for outstanding public service through the provision of legal services to the Commonwealth.
Mr Quiggin PSM is First Parliamentary Counsel, Office of Parliamentary Counsel. He has served as Australia’s First Parliamentary Counsel since 2004. Mr Quiggin was awarded a Public Service Medal in the 2008 Australia Day Honours List for outstanding public service in delivering the government’s legislative agenda at a time of significant legislative change and in a number of critical areas.
I congratulate Mr Begbie, Mr Berger, Mr Hardiman and Mr Quiggin and look forward to their continuing contribution in the provision of legal services for the Commonwealth.
