Premier Colin Barnett has appointed Justice Christopher Steytler to the role of Parliamentary Inspector of the Corruption and Crime Commission, taking over from Malcolm McCusker.
"With a career spanning 29 years, including 14 years as a Supreme Court judge and four years as president of the WA Court of Appeal, Justice Steytler brings integrity, experience and dedication to his new role," Mr Barnett said.
"During his time in practice, Justice Steytler was highly respected within the legal profession and by his colleagues in the Supreme Court.
"He presided over the establishment of the Court of Appeal and, as a result of his dedication to the role, significantly reduced the backlog of cases awaiting hearing and set high standards for the quality and quantity of the work performed."
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Justice Steytler obtained degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Law before migrating to Australia with his family in 1976, from there furthering his studies in constitutional law, property law, trusts, income tax and trade practices at the University of Western Australia.
He became an Australian citizen in April 1980 and joined the law firm of Parker & Parker where he was made partner.
After 10 years with the firm, Justice Steytler went to the independent Bar and was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1993.
In 1994, he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court and inaugural President of the Court of Appeal in 2005.
The Office of the Parliamentary Inspector accepts and can investigate allegations of misconduct by the Corruption and Crime Commission.
It also makes recommendations to the Corruption and Crime Commission, independent agencies, appropriate authorities and reports and makes recommendations to State Parliament and Standing Committees.
Justice Steytler begins his appointment on February 1, 2009 immediately after he retires from the Supreme Court.
He replaces Mr McCusker who vacated the role on December 31, 2008.
