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4 senior lawyers appointed to Commonwealth Queen’s counsel
The federal government has appointed four Australian senior public service lawyers to the Commonwealth Queen’s counsel.
Naomi Neilson
Attorney-General Christian Porter welcomed Timothy Begbie, Andrew Berger, Leo Hardiman PSM and Peter Quiggin PSM to Commonwealth Queen’s Counsel (QC) to recognise the significant experiences and skills at high levels of Commonwealth law.
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Mr Begbie is a senior general counsel specialising in dispute resolution with the Australian Government Solicitor. For 20 years, he advised the Commonwealth and appeared as counsel throughout Australia in public law matters, including in significant civil penalty, law enforcement and national security cases.
Also at the Australian Government Solicitors office is Mr Berger, a senior general counsel. He has advised and represented the Commonwealth for 25 years, having appeared in royal commissions, inquests and inquiries for Commonwealth agencies in significant matters at the High Court, Federal Court and numerous other courts.
With over 30 years’ experience, Mr Hardiman has advised the Commonwealth in many important and sensitive areas. He was awarded a public service medal in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for outstanding public service through the provision of legal services and currently works as deputy chief general counsel and national leader at the office of general counsel with Australian Government Solicitor.
Mr Quiggin is the first parliamentary counsel at the office of parliamentary counsel and has served in this position since 2004. He was awarded a public service medal in the 2008 Australia Day Honours list for his service in delivering the government’s legislative agenda at a time of great significant legislative change.
“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,” Mr Porter said.
