Roles of the Executive Government
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This poster looks at what the job description for the Attorney General would include based upon the key concept that the Attorney-General must ensure the law is allowed to take its course. This means the Attorney-General must uphold established legal traditions and processes such as the presumption of innocence and fair and prompt trials.
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This poster looks at the Executive Government, it’s people, roles and checks on power.
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This explainer outlines Arthur Phillip’s leadership of the First Fleet, his establishment of British law in the new colony, and his efforts to ensure survival, fairness, and stability while navigating conflict with military officers and tensions with Indigenous peoples.
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This explainer highlights William Bligh’s brief, turbulent governorship, focusing on his attempts to break the New South Wales Corps’ control over trade, end the rum economy, and support struggling farmers. His reforms provoked the Corps, leading to the Rum Rebellion and his arrest, though he was later cleared. Despite lasting controversy, his actions helped re‑establish lawful authority in the colony.
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This explainer shows how Lachlan Macquarie stabilised New South Wales by restoring law and order, redirecting convict labour to public works, and supporting emancipists. It highlights his major building program with Francis Greenway, the introduction of official currency, and reforms that helped shift the colony toward a free, organised society. It also notes how opposition from wealthy settlers and the Bigge Inquiry forced his resignation, even though his leadership laid foundations for future self‑government.
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This explainer outlines how John Hunter struggled to regain control of New South Wales after years of unchecked power by the New South Wales Corps. It highlights the Corps’ corruption, its dominance over trade and law, and the obstacles Hunter faced as they blocked information and undermined his authority. Despite being recalled to England over false accusations, his reputation was later restored, and his writings became valuable records of early colonial life.
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This explainer outlines how Philip Gidley‑King worked to strengthen and expand the colony between 1800 and 1806. It highlights his efforts to build the economy through coal, whaling, and farming, his support for emancipists, and his push for fair opportunity. It also shows how constant resistance from the New South Wales Corps—especially John Macarthur—undermined his authority, eventually damaging his reputation and forcing his resignation.
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This explainer shows how Lord Sydney, Thomas Townshend, shaped the principles that guided the founding of New South Wales. It outlines why he adopted the name Sydney in honour of Algernon Sidney, whose ideas about liberty, equality, and the rule of law deeply influenced him. It also highlights his key decisions as Home Secretary: choosing Arthur Phillip as governor, creating the First Charter of Justice, and ensuring the new colony offered convicts the chance for rights, reform, and eventual freedom.
Job Description for the Attorney General
Job Title: First Law Officer
Department: Attorney General
Location: Parliament House, Canberra
Job Summary
The Primary Responsibility of the A-G is to protect the rule of law and the integrity of the Courts.
“It is the special role of the Attorney-General to be the voice within the government and to the public which articulates, and insists upon observance of, the enduring principles of legal justice, and upon respect for the judicial and other legal institutions through which they are applied.”
- Hon LJ King AC, QC former Chief Justice of South Australia and former A-G of South Australia
Job Summary
To protect the rule of law, the A-G must ensure that the laws are applied equally and fairly to everyone. This means that the A-G must ensure all people, no matter their background, status, religion, or gender have equal access to the courts and the ability to resolve disputes fairly and efficiently. The AG must ensure those in power, particularly fellow politicians and members of the executive, do not unfairly use their position or resources and the model litigant rules apply.
The A-G must ensure that proper legal processes are followed to ensure the integrity of the legal system is maintained. This means that guilt can only be found in a court that is governed by the rules of evidence, the presumption of innocence and the safeguard of appeals.
Finally, the A-G must be the voice for the rule of law and instill public confidence. It is the responsibility of the A-G to speak out when the principles of the rule of law are being eroded and to ensure community support of these foundations. The A-G must support education programs to promote informed citizenry and a culture of lawfulness that support the rule of law.
Specific Responsibilities
Clear and Predictable Laws
Open and Transparent Law Reform
Recommending Judicial Appointments
Ensure Funding for the Courts
Protecting Administration of Justice
Safeguarding Independence of Judiciary
Job Skills and Qualifications
Member of Parliament who is passionate about the rule of law.
Related Resources
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This explainer shows how Lord Sydney, Thomas Townshend, shaped the principles that guided the founding of New South Wales. It outlines why he adopted the name Sydney in honour of Algernon Sidney, whose ideas about liberty, equality, and the rule of law deeply influenced him. It also highlights his key decisions as Home Secretary: choosing Arthur Phillip as governor, creating the First Charter of Justice, and ensuring the new colony offered convicts the chance for rights, reform, and eventual freedom.
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This resource explains how the British applied the doctrine of terra nullius to justify claiming sovereignty over Australia, based on assumptions about agriculture, population, and Indigenous law. It outlines the profound impacts on Indigenous peoples and shows how Mabo (No 2) overturned the fiction, recognising ongoing connection to Country and leading to the Native Title Act 1993.
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