Solicitor-General of Tasmania

The Solicitor-General of Tasmania is the second law officer for Tasmania. Their duties are primarily providing legal advice to the Government of Tasmania. The Solicitor-General leads the Solicitor-General's Office, which is made up of two sections led by Assistant Solicitors General: Advisings and Litigation. They are housed in the Executive Building at 15 Murray Street, Hobart.

History

The office has existed since 1825, largely mirroring practices in the United Kingdom where it was given to a member of the cabinet. In 1863 a Royal Commission concluded that the office should become a non-political and non-ministerial office. It was the primary office for legal administration until 1934, when the Attorney-General's Department was created, after which the office has been responsible for advising ministers and agencies. The Solicitor-General Act 1983 was passed in 1963, which established the office under statute.