Her recent appointment by Northern Territory Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby has sparked a huge backlash. This historic upheaval has already led to several departures from the Administration’s legal ranks. Prior to her appointment, Boothby appointed Voumard under the Legal Aid Act provisions. This decision has drawn the ire of powerful new stakeholders in this legal sector, including allegedly many members of the advisory panel itself.
As counsel to the Chief Justice, Catherine Voumard brings 13 years of experience in the legal profession to her new role. It’s because she’s held every senior legal role in the Northern Territory, reflecting her deep-rooted knowledge of the territory’s distinct legal issues. Her appointment is already raising eyebrows. Most significantly, it circumvented recommendations from an advisory panel.
Advisory Panel Concerns
When Duncan McConnel, a member of the advisory panel, came deep disappointment. He was indignant that Boothby had rejected their advice to hire another candidate. In a letter addressed to Boothby, he emphasized the importance of adhering to the panel’s advice, which is designed to ensure that appointments reflect community needs and professional standards. McConnel’s Minority Views Report underscored the committee’s rationale for selecting an alternative nominee. It highlighted the need to maintain the selection process under the public’s view and accountability.
McConnell’s fears serve to expose a deepening disappointment among attorneys. They are right to be concerned, more than ever, about the integrity of that appointment process. Now, Boothby has overridden the panel’s decision. In doing so, she has made herself an appropriate target for criticism over how serious she is about upholding standards in the legal aid system.
Political Reactions
Selena Uibo, another prominent Indigenous political figure in the Northern Territory, has condemned Boothby’s move as a “clear overreach”. Uibo further urged Attorney-General to provide a public account of the reasons for appointing Voumard despite the panel’s recommendations. This call for clarity demonstrates the fear and distrust in our communities with regards to governance and accountability. Uibo contended that making unilateral decisions such as these threatens the public’s faith in our legal institutions.
Mary Chalmers from Claw spoke to the support, arguing that the legal aid appointments should be made transparent. Chalmers commented that making appointments against advisory panel recommendations would threaten to undermine community and organizational trust. This fear is shared by all stakeholder industries that rely on civil legal aid services. More importantly, it emphasizes the need for a politically neutral, rules-based approach to appointments.
Boothby’s Justification
In her defense, Marie-Clare Boothby stated that her decision to appoint Voumard was motivated by a “deliberate change in management approach.” She sounded a confident note about Voumard’s potential as an advocate. Her deep legal experience will be an incredible asset to the role. Boothby has acknowledged the advisory panel’s input but ultimately chose to prioritize what she deemed necessary for effective management within the agency.
As you’d expect, the Attorney-General’s comments have been received with a mixture of delight and disappointment. While some support her decision as an exercise of executive authority, others remain skeptical about her commitment to collaborative governance. Catherine Voumard, who has been reached for comment, has not yet made a public statement accepting her new appointment.
