Robert Cornall

Robert John Cornall is a retired Australian senior public servant, he was head of the Attorney-General's Department between 2000 and 2008.

Early life Robert Cornall was born in Melbourne. He attended Wesley College, then studied for a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Melbourne, graduating in 1968.

Public service career In January 1968, Cornall took up a position in the lawfirm Oswald Burt & Co (later Middeltons Oswald Burt, Solicitors). In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, the Attorney-General's Department was responsible for implementing the Howard government's national security agenda. The department grew rapidly in numbers under Cornall's leadership, from 550 staff to over 1500.

On 30 July 2017 he became Acting President of the Australian Law Reform Commission.

Public profile and enquiries As Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department he commented on the alleged torture of Mamdouh Habib. He stated there was no substance to the allegations; however, the Australian Government later settled with Habib out of court.

After his retirement Cornall conducted an investigation for the Australian Government into allegations of sexual abuse at Manus Island.

He carried out a review of conflict of interest of members of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority regarding dumping in the Park.

In February 2014 he was appointed to conduct "a review into the circumstances surrounding the Manus Island disturbances", in which an Iranian detainee (Reza Berati) was killed, with the primary focus on management of security at the centre.

Awards In 2006, Cornall was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to the community through contributions to the development of public policy, particularly counter-terrorism arrangements in a changing global security environment and through providing advice and governance across a diverse range of responsibilities within the civil justice system.