New Legal Aid CEO announced

6 July 2022

Attorney General Mark Speakman today announced the appointment of Monique Hitter as the Chief Executive Officer of Legal Aid NSW. 

Ms Hitter has been Acting CEO of Legal Aid NSW since November 2021. Her career at Legal Aid NSW spans more than 20 years, including 15 years on the Executive and four years as Deputy CEO. 

Mr Speakman said Monique Hitter is an outstanding and accomplished senior executive leader with a proven track record in achieving justice outcomes for some of our State’s most vulnerable people. 

“Ms Hitter has a deep understanding of Legal Aid NSW’s critical and unique responsibility to ensure access to justice for vulnerable people, including people with mental health issues, people with intellectual disabilities, the elderly and people in remote and regional areas. 

“Having spearheaded Legal Aid NSW’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms Hitter is well-placed to take the organisation beyond the challenges of the past two years into its next critical phase in the provision of legal assistance services.” 

Chair of the Legal Aid NSW Board Craig Smith welcomed Ms Hitter’s appointment. 

“Ms Hitter has earned the respect and the support of the Board. Her commitment and passion for the cause of Legal Aid will ensure our continued success in serving the community and providing access to justice,” Mr Smith said. 

Ms Hitter said she is humbled and honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Australia’s largest provider of legal assistance services and its outstanding and dedicated workforce. 

“It is a great privilege to lead Legal Aid NSW, to serve and to make a significant difference to the individuals and communities who need us most across NSW,” Ms Hitter said. 

Monique Hitter commences in the role immediately and replaces former CEO Brendan Thomas

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