This is the first Commonwealth senior counsel appointment following the replacement of the Queen's Counsel title in Australian States.

"This appointment is appropriate recognition of Mr. Witynski's outstanding expertise and abilities in the field of Commonwealth law," Attorney-General Robert McClelland said, announcing the appointment.

For many years Witynski has been one of the Commonwealth's most senior legal counsels and has established a position as one of the most eminent Commonwealth legal advisers of his generation.

His expertise in the fields of constitutional and public law have been relied upon by successive governments at the highest levels, particularly in relation to public finance and taxation.

During his career, Witynski has been directly involved in a number of significant constitutional cases in the High Court of Australia and other superior courts.