CURRENT chief solicitor Peter Garrisson will become the first solicitor general for the ACT.

The newly established role, will be part of the Office of the Chief Solicitor, and will provide written and oral advice on matters of significance to the jurisdiction’s government.

“The role of solicitor general is an important one in the government providing high-level legal advice to the executive and directorates,” Attorney General Simon Corbell said.

“This newly created role of solicitor general properly recognises the value the Government places on this position.

“Other jurisdictions across Australia have had this position for some time, and it is appropriate that the ACT bring this role into line to create a consistent approach across borders.”

Mr Corbell said the solicitor general would also appear as counsel in cases of constitutional significance, international cases, and other cases of special government interest.

“With the increasing complexity of the constitutional framework in which the ACT operates and the introduction of the Human Rights Act 2004, it is evident that the Territory is now in need of the separate position of solicitor general.”