Faulkner is the head of the Constitutional Policy Unit in the Attorney General's Department.

"The Commonwealth public sector has outstanding legal advisers in its ranks. Mr Faulkner is one of the very best and sets a high standard for his colleagues to aspire to and emulate," McClelland said.

With over 20 years experience as a lawyer and public servant, Faulkner has a distinguished record of service, including as assistant secretary of the Republic Referendum Taskforce and as a committee secretary for the Republic Convention.

He has advised successive governments and is relied upon for the depth and breadth of his expertise in constitutional and public law and policy.

Faulkner is a graduate of the Australian National University and was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2002 for his role in advising on the national corporations law.