Attorney-General's Department under Robert John Cornall AO

The Attorney-General's Department in Australia underwent significant transformations during the leadership of Robert John Cornall AO from 2000 to 2008. As the Secretary of the Department, Cornall played a pivotal role in expanding and restructuring the department to better serve the national interests, particularly in the area of national security.

Leadership and Expansion

In 2000, Robert Cornall was appointed as the Secretary of the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department. At the time, the department was relatively small, consisting of approximately 550 staff members. Under Cornall's leadership, the department saw rapid growth, expanding to over 1500 staff members. This expansion was necessary to accommodate the increasing demands placed on the department, especially in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in the United States.

National Security Agenda

The events of September 11, 2001, had a profound impact on global security policies, and Australia was no exception. The Howard government, led by Prime Minister John Howard, implemented a national security agenda aimed at strengthening Australia's defensive capabilities. The Attorney-General's Department, under Cornall's guidance, became instrumental in executing this agenda. This included the development and implementation of new security measures, legal frameworks, and policies to address emerging threats.

Contributions to Government Policy

Cornall's tenure is marked by his contributions to redefining the role of government lawyers within the department. His initiatives ensured that legal advice and services provided by the department were aligned with the evolving needs of the Australian government. This realignment was crucial in responding to the complex legal challenges that arose during this period, including issues related to counter-terrorism and national security law.

Retirement and Legacy

Robert Cornall retired from his role in July 2008, leaving behind a legacy of a more robust and capable Attorney-General's Department. His efforts not only enhanced the department's operational capacity but also established a framework for future leaders to build upon. Cornall's influence extended beyond his official tenure, as he remained involved in various government roles and initiatives, further cementing his place in the annals of Australian public service.

Robert John Cornall AO

Robert John Cornall AO is a distinguished retired Australian senior public servant who played a significant role in the country's legal and governmental landscape. Born in Melbourne, Cornall's academic journey began at Wesley College, followed by his pursuit of a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Melbourne.

Career in Public Service

Cornall's prominence in the Australian public sector is highlighted by his tenure as the head of the Attorney-General's Department from 2000 to 2008. During this period, he was responsible for shaping significant legal and administrative policies. His leadership was pivotal in the redefinition of the role of government lawyers, ensuring that they effectively served the interests of the Australian government and its citizens.

Attorney-General's Department

The Attorney-General's Department under Cornall's leadership focused on ensuring that Australia's legal framework was robust and adaptive to contemporary challenges. His policy work emphasized transparency and integrity within the department, setting a precedent for future legal and administrative practices.

Australian Law Reform Commission

Following his retirement from the Attorney-General's Department in July 2008, Cornall continued to influence legal reforms. On July 30, 2017, he served as Acting President of the Australian Law Reform Commission, contributing to the advancement of progressive legal policies.

Investigations and Reports

Beyond his roles in the public service, Cornall was involved in high-profile investigations. Most notably, he conducted an investigation for the Australian Government into allegations of sexual abuse at Manus Island, a significant issue in Australia's immigration and human rights discourse.

Honors and Recognition

Cornall's service to the community and his contributions to legal and public administration have been recognized through several honors, including being appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia.