STAFF REPORTER

The state government has tweaked funding arrangements to attract a former Rhodes Scholar to the role of Solicitor General.

Attorney General Christian Porter said today that Grant Donaldson SC would start as Solicitor General for Western Australia on Monday.

“Mr Donaldson’s varied breadth and quality of legal and courtroom experience make him an ideal permanent appointment to the position,” Mr Porter said.

“He has an appreciation of wider public policy issues as well as experience in commercial, private and criminal law litigation.”

Robert Mitchell SC had been acting in the role since June 2011.

“Mr Mitchell has contributed a great deal during his time as acting Solicitor General,” Mr Porter said.

“His legal knowledge and expertise have proved invaluable on a wide range of matters.”

The former Solicitor General, Mr Robert Meadows QC, retired from the position on July 18, 2011.

On June 28, 2011, Mr Mitchell was appointed on an acting basis for 12 months or until a permanent appointment was made.

Mr Donaldson was admitted to practice in WA in 1987, having completed a Bachelor of Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from The University of WA, and a Bachelor of Civil Law from Oxford University.

He was the WA Rhodes Scholar in 1986, and is a member of the Football Club Board of the mighty Fremantle Dockers.

Since 1998, he has practised as a barrister at Francis Burt Chambers and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2004.

Mr Donaldson’s salary, determined by the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal, has been adjusted to take account the retention of his right to limited private practice.

Mr Porter said this was a slight change to previous practice and had been designed to allow the government to attract the most senior counsel from the bar.