Victoria Engel SC has commenced as the new ACT Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Ms Engel was appointed following a competitive recruitment process. She brings to the role legal acumen and public prosecution experience in a range of different jurisdictions and contexts, said Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury.
"I welcome Ms Engel as the ACT's new Director of Public Prosecutions," he said.
"This role requires exceptional skills, judgement, and character. I am confident in Ms Engel's ability to serve our community well, and to support our criminal justice system."
Ms Engel has demonstrated her public service leadership including as Deputy Director of the Northern Territory DPP, and Principal Crown Prosecutor with the Northern Territory DPP, where she led substantial changes in the management of sexual assault cases.
She previously worked in the United Kingdom as both a Senior Solicitor with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, and a Prosecutor with the National Probation Trust. Ms Engel was the President of the Australian Association of Crown Prosecutors earlier in 2024.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury, MLA:
I am delighted to welcome Victoria Engel SC as our new Director of Public Prosecutions. Her wealth of experience, dedication to public service and commitment to justice will be invaluable to the Territory. This is also an historic appointment for the ACT as Ms Engel is the first woman to be appointed to this role in the Territory.'
"Ms Engel's substantial experience, both at home and abroad, is a tremendous asset to the ACT. Her demonstrated ability to navigate complex cases and lead transformative change make her an ideal fit for this critical role."
Quotes attributable to Victoria Engel SC:
"I am delighted to be starting in this role and getting on with the important work of serving the people in the ACT community. I am committed to working with ACT Policing, and other independent bodies to ensure a fair system for all."
