The new KCs in Tasmania are Aziz Melick AO KC, Fabian Dixon RFD KC, the Honourable Peter Tree KC, Andrew Abbott KC, Bruce McTaggart KC, William Ayliffe KC, Kate Mooney KC, the Honourable Robert Benjamin AM KC, and Matthew Verney KC.

All of these individuals have previously held the position of senior counsel.

The recent appointments come in response to a new protocol established by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett.

Under this protocol, legal practitioners who have been designated as senior counsel in the Supreme Court of Tasmania can submit an application to the A-G for appointment as King’s counsel.

The Tasmanian Liberal government expressed that implementing this new protocol will “bring Tasmania into line with other jurisdictions where practitioners can request or apply to be appointed as King’s counsel”.

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The government also explained that it would be an “advantage” for practitioners from Tasmania who qualify to apply for a King’s counsel appointment within the federal jurisdiction.

Speaking on these appointments, Barnett extended his congratulations, emphasising the historical and cultural significance that the title of King’s counsel holds within the legal community.

“Appointment to the King’s counsel is a high honour, as the title itself has been used for centuries to denote exceptional legal expertise and service to the Crown,” A-G Barnett said.