Announcing the new AAT president this week, Attorney-General George Brandis QC said Justice Thomas will also be made a Federal Court judge.

 “Justice Thomas’ experience and qualifications make him the right person to lead Australia’s merits review tribunal,” the Attorney-General said.

Since 2013, Justice Thomas has headed the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal as its president, as well as sitting on the bench of the Supreme Court.

The judge holds other significant community roles in a non-judicial capacity, serving as president of the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland. He is also the deputy chair of the Queensland Ballet.

Attorney-General Brandis also announced other appointments and reappointments to the AAT for a period of seven years respectively. A majority of the appointees are existing members of the tribunal and their new roles are effective from 1 July.

“These appointees are highly qualified to undertake the important task of conducting merits review of government decisions,” the Attorney-General said.

“On behalf of the government, I congratulate the appointees and look forward to the contribution they will make to the AAT.”

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Stephen Boyle, Francis O’Loughlin and Brian Rayment QC have been named as the AAT’s three deputy presidents.

Meanwhile, senior member appointments have gone to Ann Brandon-Baker, Michael Cooke, Richard Ellis, Louie Hawas, Lisa Hespe, Michael Ison, Gina Lazanas, Louise Nicholls, Justin Owen, Rodrigo Pintos-Lopez, Rachel Westaway, Perry Wood and Antoinette Younes.

The Attorney-General also announced the appointment of 48 others as members of the AAT.