History

Tasmania was the first State to establish an independent prosecuting office when the Office of the Crown Advocate was established in 1973. The name was then changed to the Director of Public Prosecutions in 1986. Prior to this all prosecutions in Tasmania were undertaken by professional staff employed in the Solicitor-General’s Department.

Previous Crown Advocates/Directors

1973 - 1977  The Honourable Henry Cosgrove QC

1977 - 1982  The Honourable William Cox QC

1982 - 1984  Mr Peter Cranswick QC

1986 - 1999  Mr Damian Bugg QC

1999 - 2015  Mr Tim Ellis SC