Monique Hitter has been appointed as CEO of Legal Aid NSW.

Ms Hitter has been with the statewide legal services organisation for more than twenty years including 15 years on the executive and four years as deputy CEO. She has been acting CEO since November.

 Attorney General Mark Speakman said Ms Hitter was an accomplished senior executive leader with a proven track record in achieving justice for some of the state’s most vulnerable.

 “Ms Hitter has a deep understanding of Legal Aid NSW’s critical and unique responsibility to ensure access to justice for vulnerable people, including people with mental health issues, people with intellectual disabilities, the elderly and people in remote and regional areas.

 “Having spearheaded Legal Aid NSW’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms Hitter is well-placed to take the organisation beyond the challenges of the past two years into its next critical phase in the provision of legal assistance services.”

 Chair of the Legal Aid NSW Board Craig Smith also welcomed Ms Hitter’s appointment, saying her commitment and passion would ensure Legal Aid’s continued success in serving the community and providing access to justice.

 Ms Hitter said she was honoured to be given the opportunity.

 “It is a great privilege to lead Legal Aid NSW, to serve and to make a significant difference to the individuals and communities who need us most across NSW,” she  said.

She takes up the role immediately, replacing former CEO Brendan Thomas.

Legal Aid NSW is Australia’s largest provider of legal assistance services.