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Coalition appointee will continue to serve as a judge on the Federal Court basis.
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AAT president resigns after 8 months
02 December 2022
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AAT president Fiona Meagher has resigned just eight months after being appointed by the previous government.
The tribunal said Ms Meagher would continue to serve as a full-time judge on the Federal Court and an interim replacement had already been found.
“Arrangements have been made for the honourable Justice Berna Collier to act as president from 1 December 2022,” it said. “The AAT will continue to deliver independent merits review services with her guidance.”
Ms Meagher lasted only eight months in the position after being appointed to the Federal Court and as president of the AAT on 1 April 2022 by the previous Coalition government.
However, she came under pressure due to the AAT’s handling of staff grievances with 19 members subject to complaints for bullying, harassment, or discrimination since July 2016.
“The Administrative Appeals Tribunal acknowledges the recent concerns raised in the Senate Estimates of claims of bullying and harassment against members,” Ms Meagher said in a statement posted to the AAT’s website on 11 November.
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“We are committed to providing a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace for our 1,000 members and staff around the country, where all people can work and thrive.”
In the statement, she claimed that her leadership had been marked by an improving workplace culture at the AAT.
“Since coming into this office in April 2022 I have made significant inroads into implementing a reform agenda which includes making workplace culture and wellbeing a priority,” she said.
“Recognising the significance and sensitivity of member performance, conduct and wellbeing, amongst other things, I have brought the responsibility for member capability, culture and wellbeing into the office of the president.”
“As part of my personal commitment to providing a safe working environment and improving the culture, we are working across the Tribunal to develop and build a culture roadmap.”
Before her appointment to president, Ms Meagher had served on the AAT as a part-time and full-time member in 2015 and 2018.
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