HBA Partner appointed to State Administrative Tribunal
Date: March 7, 2019
Media Release: HBA Partner Dr Andrew Lu OAM has been appointed a sessional (part-time) member of the Western Australian State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
Appointments are made on the recommendation of the SAT President and approved by the Western Australian Premier, Attorney-General and Governor.
SAT is an independent body that makes and reviews a broad range of administrative decisions ranging from reviews of multi-million dollar tax judgments, to vocational and disciplinary proceedings, guardianship questions, town planning, strata and compensation issues. SAT receives its power to hear matters from several different pieces of State legislation.
Dr Lu said he was deeply honoured to be the first Asian Australian lawyer appointed to the Tribunal, adding further diversity to the pool of decision-makers in Australia.
“In my career I have regularly appeared before courts and tribunals, and I look forward to hearing matters as a member of SAT and to serving in a role with a significant public dimension.
“It is a privilege to be invited to be a decision-maker in an accessible and efficient super-tribunal and the added benefit, of course, is the opportunity to learn the art of writing sound decisions and orders which can only enhance my skills as a lawyer,” Dr Lu said.
Dr Lu will sit as a member of the Tribunal when he is not working with HBA’s clients.
HBA’s Managing Partner Brett Ablong said he’s not surprised Dr Lu came to the attention of the SAT President.
“Andrew has regularly appeared at the SAT, and indeed equivalent statutory bodies like the ACAT in Canberra, for vocational matters involving health practitioners. Andrew was also an inaugural panel solicitor for the SAT pro bono scheme, advising and mediating where there were unrepresented respondents to disciplinary action.
“Andrew is such a great legal operator with an enviable calm manner and an innate sense of fairness, so I have no doubt he will excel in this position and the SAT is lucky to share him with us.”
Mr Ablong added: “This serves as yet another indicator that when you deal with HBA, you are dealing with the industry’s best and most recognised practitioners in the business.”
Dr Lu’s appointment was approved by the Executive Council with effect from 19 February 2019 until 31 December 2022.
More about Dr Andrew Lu OAM
Dr Andrew Lu OAM has substantial experience representing the insurance industry, health practitioners, and Government. He currently leads HBA’s health law practice.
Andrew promotes good governance in the Arts as a non-executive director of the Arts Law Centre of Australia, Australian Youth Orchestra, and National Gallery of Australia Foundation. He is a member of the Council of the Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation.
Andrew received the Order of Australia medal in 2008 and a 40 Under 40 Award in 2017 for professional services and community investment. He holds masters and doctoral degrees in Law, is a Fellow of ANZIIF, and in 2018 was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law.
Media contact:
Sarah Tempest 0402 946 603 sarah.tempest@hbalegal.com