Kate Eastman AM SC appointed Commissioner of NSW Law Reform Commission

31 August 2023

Experienced employment law specialist Katherine (Kate) Eastman AM SC has been appointed a part-time Commissioner of the NSW Law Reform Commission for a three-year term.

Ms Eastman has more than 30 years’ experience in dispute resolution and advocacy in a wide range of employment matters, sexual harassment, discrimination and vilification law.

The NSW Law Reform Commission is an independent statutory body chaired by the Hon Tom Bathurst AC KC.

From time to time, the NSW Attorney General refers legislation to the NSW Law Reform Commission for review, analysis and recommendations on improving and modernising laws.

The Commission is currently reviewing the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 to ensure it reflects contemporary community standards; it is also examining serious road crime offences in the NSW Crimes Act 1900.

Ms Eastman was appointed Senior Counsel in 2012.

In 2021, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the law, to human rights and to professional organisations.

Ms Eastman commenced her role as a Commissioner on 30 August 2023.

Quotes attributable to NSW Attorney General Michael Daley:

“I congratulate Ms Eastman on her appointment and thank her for taking on this important work at the NSW Law Reform Commission. Ms Eastman’s vast expertise in employment and discrimination law will greatly assist the Commission in its work reviewing NSW legislation and making recommendations for reform.

“The Commission will greatly benefit from the contribution Ms Eastman will make to the current reviews and its work more broadly in law reform in NSW."

Biography

Kate Eastman AM SC was admitted to the legal profession in NSW in 1990 and as a Barrister in 1998.

She has appeared in the High Court, Federal Court, Federal Circuit Court, Fair Work Commission, Industrial Relations Commission and State and territory tribunals in trials and appeals in matters arising under the Fair Work Act and all Commonwealth/State and territory discrimination laws.

Ms Eastman acts as an independent investigator, facilitator and mediator. Recently she was Senior Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.