Australia has just appointed a new Solicitor-General

Senior barrister Ruth Higgins has been appointed as Australia’s new Solicitor-General.

She makes history as the first woman to hold the title.

Higgins is now the Federal Government’s top legal adviser.

It is the first time in Australian history that both the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General are women simultaneously.

Here’s what you need to know.

Solicitor-General

The Solicitor-General is the Federal Government’s top lawyer.

When the Commonwealth needs representation in major legal proceedings (especially anything relating to the Constitution) the Solicitor-General argues the case.

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They also give the Government independent advice on questions of law.

Unlike the Attorney-General, the Solicitor-General is not an elected official. The Attorney-General is involved in Government policy.

Higgins

Higgins is regarded as one of Australia’s leading commercial lawyers.

She represented ASIC in its case against Star Entertainment, and appeared for the Commonwealth Bank during the 2017 Royal Commission into banking.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said Higgins’ “experience, ability and acumen will see the Commonwealth well represented in significant legal matters.”

She will serve a five-year term.