Alumni Spotlight – Catherine Vickers

Posted by: CFLS | On: 4 April 2025 | Uncategorised

Alumni Spotlight - Catherine Vickers

Career Journey & Highlights

I was born and raised in Hobart and attended the University of Tasmania graduating with a BA LLB. I undertook legal practice in 1994. In those days I had to complete an apprenticeship at law before been admitted to the roll of practitioners. I completed my apprenticeship-at-law at Temple-Smith Barclay and was admitted on 5 Sept 1995 in the Burnie Supreme Court. I also worked at Legal Aid in Devonport for a couple years before returning to Hobart. In 1998 I left legal practice and embarked on long career in the Tasmanian State Service.

My career spanned several government departments and senior roles in the Tasmanian Government, including a time as Deputy Registrar of Supreme Court of Tasmania. I have a deep understanding of the separation of powers, constitutional conventions, the rule of law and the role and sovereignty of Parliament in our democratic system of Government. I first joined Parliament in 2017 as Deputy Clerk of Legislative Council Tasmania in August 2017. I was appointed the first female Clerk of the Legislative Council on 20 July 2023. [History Lesson – Legislative Council established in 1825 and 14 appointed Clerks since 1833]
Highlights it has been so varied, and I have been privileged at times to be at the heart of lot of interesting constitutional and political issues.

Current Role

My career to date has provided me with strong networks across the Parliament, Courts and Executive, including statutory officers and senior officials and I have a developed a rich and deep understanding of the rule of law, including how laws are made and our system of government and the separation of powers. As Clerk I am the authoritative source of constitutional and parliamentary law, practice and procedural advice to the President and all Members of the Legislative Council. I have custody and responsibility for all the papers and records of the Legislative Council. As Clerk it is my responsibility to prepare all Bills that have passed Parliament to be presented to the Governor for the Royal Assent.

In addition to my specialist skills, I am also the administrative head of the department of the Legislative Council and share joint head of department responsibilities with the Clerk of the House of Assembly in relation to the joint services that support the operation of the Parliament.

I am an apolitical appointment and must act in accordance with the highest levels of probity, discretion and trust. Keeping that in mind and the changes I have seen in the workplace since I started law, I have been very circumspect in my responses.

Favourite Memory of Legal Prac

Socialising in a time before mobile phones and social media.

Words of advice for those unsure about commencing the TLPC?

I think going into legal practice even for a short time – is important for your career whatever you decide to do with your life. The TLPC was a great way to get into practice and have a local network to commence your career journey. Being an actual lawyer gives you a way of approaching problems and issues that can give you an advantage among others in a tight job market.