Public Interest Monitor Reappointed Until 2018
The Andrews Labor Government today confirms the reappointment of Brendan Murphy QC as Victoria’s Principal Public Interest Monitor for a further three years.
The Public Interest Monitor protects the public interest by testing the content and sufficiency of information in applications by law enforcement and integrity agencies for the use of telephone intercepts and other covert and coercive powers.
Mr Murphy was first appointed as Principal Public Interest Monitor in 2012 and has more than 40 years’ experience as a member of the Victorian Bar.
Mr Murphy has also served as a member of the Victorian Bar Council and lectured in both the Bar Readers course and the Victorian Police prosecutors’ course.
The Public Interest Monitor operates independently of government, with a requirement to report to Parliament.
Quotes attributable to Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings
“Brendan Murphy QC has served as Principal Public Interest Monitor for the past three years. During that time, he has safeguarded and defended the public interest when agencies apply for covert and coercive investigative powers.”
“I congratulate Mr Murphy on his reappointment as Principal Public Interest Monitor for another three years. He is a highly experienced criminal lawyer and brings more than 40 years’ experience as a member of the Victorian Bar to this important role in protecting the public interest.”