Attorney General John Quigley has appointed Matthew Zilko SC as Parliamentary Inspector of the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC).
Mr Zilko's appointment will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of the late Justice Michael Murray QC on March 31, 2020.
The Office of the Parliamentary Inspector assesses and investigates complaints about the actions and decisions of the CCC. It reports and makes recommendations to Parliament, as well as making recommendations to the CCC, independent agencies and appropriate authorities.
Mr Zilko is an experienced litigator who appeared as counsel in hundreds of trials in all Western Australian courts and tribunals, the Federal Court and High Court in both criminal and civil matters.
He has sat as a Commissioner of the Supreme Court of Western Australia, is an arbitrator and mediator who has conducted about 200 cases, and chairs the Legal Practice Board.
Mr Zilko has taught law at The University of Western Australia - where he is a member of the Law School Advisory Board - Murdoch University and the University of Notre Dame.
He will take up the full-time role on November 23, 2020 for a five-year term.
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
"The oversight of the CCC by the Parliamentary Inspector is a critical part of the integrity system in place in WA.
"Mr Zilko is tasked with the very important job of holding the CCC to account to further strengthen the public's trust in government.
"He is a lawyer of over 40 years standing, 23 of those as a barrister. He has also been heavily involved in the regulatory and educative aspects of his profession.
"I have no doubt that his skill and experience both as a litigator and arbitrator make him an outstanding choice for the role of Parliamentary Inspector.
"I am very pleased to have a practitioner of Mr Zilko's calibre in this challenging role and I congratulate him on the appointment."
