The Allan Labor Government has appointed Judge John Cain as the new Chair of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) effective from 21 February 2026.
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll congratulated Judge Cain on his appointment, acknowledging his wealth of public sector and legal experience as a County Court Judge, a State Coroner and CEO of the Law Institute of Victoria.
Judge Cain was also the Victorian Government Solicitor from 2006 to 2011 and Victoria's Solicitor for Public Prosecution from 2015 to 2019.
Judge Cain will resign from the County Court to take on this appointment.
His appointment will follow the conclusion of Dr Samantha Smith's term as interim Chair of the TAC Board on 20 February 2026.
Dr Smith, who has served as a Director of the TAC Board for nine years, was appointed as interim Chair in August 2025 following Greg Wilson's resignation as Chair.
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll
"I congratulate John Cain on his appointment. His depth of experience in Victoria's legal community will build on the TAC's achievements in building road safety and educating and supporting road users."
"I would like to thank Dr Smith and Mr Wilson for their leadership in the TAC's mission of promoting road safety and supporting Victorians who have been injured on our roads so they can get their lives back on track."
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"I thank Dr Smith for her successful tenure and welcome Judge Cain. I look forward to our continued work to reduce road trauma and educating drivers on making safer choices behind the wheel."
As stated by Judge John Cain
"It's an honour to take up the position of Chair and I am looking forward to leading the Board as we continue working to keep Victorians safe on the road and support injured road users in their journey to recovery."
"Prioritising road safety in Victoria is vital to protect lives, reduce preventable injuries and ensure every journey ends safely."
