| Solicitor-General of Western Australia | |
|---|---|
 | |
since November 2023 | |
| Department of Justice | |
| Reports to | Attorney-General of Western Australia |
| Website | www |
The Solicitor-General of Western Australia, known informally as the Solicitor-General, is the state's Second Law Officer, after the Attorney General who is the state's First Law Officer. The Solicitor-General serves as one of the legal and constitutional advisers of the government in Western Australia. The Solicitor-General usually appears on behalf of the State of Western Australia in the High Court of Australia, in litigation where the State or a Minister is a party or where the Attorney General of Western Australia intervenes in constitutional litigation. Such litigation typically concerns the constitutional validity of legislation, or the validity of executive action by the government.
The Solicitor-General is addressed in court as "Mr/Ms Solicitor". Despite the title, the position is usually occupied by a senior barrister, although any Australian lawyer of at least eight years experience is eligible for appointment. The current Solicitor-General is Craig Bydder SC.[1]
The office of Solicitor-General is not a political office. The Solicitor-General is required to provide independent legal advice to the government of Western Australia. The Solicitor-General does not provide advice to members of the public, unless permitted to do so by a right of private practice granted by the Governor under s. 6 of the Solicitor-General Act 1969 (WA).
- ^ Quigley, John (14 November 2023). "Deputy State Solicitor appointed Solicitor-General". Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 14 November 2023.