News in brief: Macpherson+Kelley; Tas' suspended police commissioner

Victorian-based law firm Macpherson + Kelley has appointed a new head of its Melbourne property team, boosting the practice across Melbourne and Sydney to nine lawyers. Craig Hailes started at the firm as a young lawyer, but after an eight years stint at competition Mills Oakley, he’s returned. 

The defence lawyer representing Tasmania’s suspended Police Commissioner has applied to the Supreme Court asking for his client’s case to be heard earlier. Jack Johnston pleaded not guilty to two counts of disclosing official secrets after he was arrested and charged last October. Justice Peter Evans has denied the request, and the matter is listed for 15 June, ABC News reports.