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WA’s administrative tribunal welcomes first Asian Australian appointment
The Western Australian State Administrative Tribunal has appointed its newest sessional member.
Grace Ormsby
Dr Andrew Lu, a partner with HBA Legal, will sit as a member of the tribunal when he is not working with HBA clients, a statement from his firm said.
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Appointments for the tribunal are made on the recommendation of the president, which are then approved by the Western Australian Premier, Attorney-General and Governor.
Dr Lu expressed that he is “deeply honoured” to be the first Asian Australian lawyer appointed to the tribunal, adding further diversity to the pool of Australian decision-makers.
“It is a privilege to be invited to be a decision-maker in an accessible and efficient supertribunal, and the added benefit, of course, is the opportunity to learn the art of writing sound decisions and orders, which can only enhance my skills as a lawyer,” Dr Lu exclaimed.
“In my career, I have regularly appeared before courts and tribunals, and I look forward to hearing matters as a member of SAT and to serving in a role with a significant public dimension,” he continued.
HBA managing partner Brett Ablong said he wasn’t surprised Dr Lu came to the SAT president’s attention.
“Andrew has regularly appeared at the SAT, and indeed equivalent statutory bodies like the ACAT in Canberra, for vocational matters involving health practitioners,” Mr Ablong explained.
He noted that Dr Lu was also an inaugural panel solicitor for the SAT pro bono scheme, and had advised and mediated for unrepresented respondents to disciplinary action.
“Andrew is such a great legal operator with an enviable calm manner and an innate sense of fairness, so I have no doubt he will excel in this position, and the SAT is lucky to share him with us,” Mr Ablong said.
