WA Attorney General Awards 2026 Winners: Unveiled for Justice Access

• Dr. Tony Buti, Western Australia's Attorney General, announced the 2026 Attorney General's Community Service Law Awards winners on September 4, 2026.
• Greg McIntyre (Individual), Kate Pearson (Legal Aid Panel Member), Mills Oakley (Law Firm), and Circle Green Community Legal (Not-for-Profit) were honored.
• Greg McIntyre was recognized for nearly five decades of pro bono work, including his role in the 1992 Mabo case.
• Mills Oakley contributed over 7,100 pro bono hours, valued at more than $3 million, over the past two financial years.
• Other recent WA legal news includes new judicial appointments and a plan to create an independent judicial commission.

This year's ceremony notably marked two decades of honoring outstanding contributions within the state's legal community.

Western Australia's Attorney General, Dr. Tony Buti, recently unveiled the recipients of the 2026 Attorney General's Community Service Law Awards, celebrating individuals and organizations dedicated to fostering equal access to justice. The prestigious awards were announced during the Western Australian Law Society's 2026 Gala Awards Evening on September 4, 2026. This year's ceremony notably marked two decades of honoring outstanding contributions within the state's legal community.

The WA Attorney General Awards 2026 winners include Greg McIntyre for the Individual category, Kate Pearson as the Legal Aid Panel Member, Mills Oakley in the Law Firm category, and Circle Green Community Legal for Not-for-Profit. Dr. Buti extended his congratulations to these deserving recipients, acknowledging their profound commitment to public service. Kylie Maj, Director General of the WA Department of Justice, also expressed gratitude to all finalists for their generous dedication and expertise in assisting disadvantaged individuals in accessing justice.

Greg McIntyre, a distinguished barrister known for his involvement in the landmark Mabo case, received his award in recognition of his extensive pro bono work. He has dedicated significant time to supporting families of children with disabilities who face discrimination. McIntyre's career spans nearly five decades, during which he has focused on pro bono matters, human rights advocacy, and public interest litigation, including his role as Eddie Koiki Mabo's solicitor in the pivotal 1992 case that affirmed traditional ownership. He has also held leadership positions within both the Law Council of Australia and the Law Society of Western Australia.

Kate Pearson was honored for her unwavering commitment to social justice, particularly through her efforts to represent clients in regional and remote communities. A barrister herself, Pearson has consistently engaged in pro bono work and has served on numerous legal aid panels covering both criminal and family law. Her dedication extends to supporting and mentoring junior lawyers, especially those practicing in regional areas, thereby strengthening legal capacity across the state.

Mills Oakley was distinguished for its substantial pro bono legal work, having logged over 7,100 pro bono hours amounting to more than $3 million in value over the past two financial years. This significant contribution is channeled through a national community legal service that the firm both owns and finances. The award acknowledges Mills Oakley's crucial assistance to clients and communities throughout Western Australia's regional and remote areas.

Circle Green Community Legal received its award for its dedicated efforts to assist marginalized individuals across the state. The legal center provides vital support in matters concerning workplace, tenancy, humanitarian, and family violence law. Beyond direct legal aid, Circle Green Community Legal is recognized for its advocacy in areas such as housing security, tenancy reform, and anti-discrimination legislative reform, alongside its project aimed at improving outcomes for protection visa applicants.

The announcement of the WA Attorney General Awards 2026 winners comes amidst other significant developments within Western Australia's legal landscape. On August 4, 2026, the WA government revealed several new judicial appointments, effective August 10, 2026. Stephen Lemonis was appointed to the Court of Appeal of Western Australia, while Tania Jeyamohan and Steven Wong were appointed to the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

Earlier in the year, on June 14, 2026, the state government also disclosed plans to establish a judicial commission. This proposed body is intended to function as an independent watchdog, tasked with addressing complaints regarding the conduct and capacity of judicial officers. The creation of such a commission would bring Western Australia into alignment with other Australian jurisdictions that already have similar oversight mechanisms in place.

Source: Original reporting via Australasian Lawyer