Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced the news yesterday (1 November). He paid tribute to Downes, who is also retiring as a judge in the Federal Court, and called for nominees to replace him.

"I take this opportunity to thank Justice Downes for his almost 10 years of excellent service to the Commonwealth in both these roles," said McClelland.

"Public notices will call for expressions of interest, or nominations of suitable persons, for appointment as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia who will also serve as the president of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal."

Downes assumed the role of head of the AAT in 2002. Prior to that he was appointed a Qeeen's Counsel in 1983, and has served as the chairman of the Institute of Arbitrators (Australia) and chairman of the Law Council of Australia Administrative Law Committee.