We are pleased to announce Toby Hemming as our chief executive officer

The Victoria Legal Aid Board is pleased to announce that following a competitive recruitment process, Toby Hemming has been appointed as chief executive officer for a five-year term. His appointment was approved by the Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes MP.

Toby is an experienced public sector executive and was most recently a deputy secretary at the Department of Justice and Community Safety. Prior to that, he held senior roles in government departments and statutory authorities including the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the County Court of Victoria, the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority and the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (now Triple Zero Victoria).

With a background in legal practice, policy, regulation, and corporate governance, Toby is deeply committed to access to justice, quality service delivery and using evidence-based policy and law reform to enhance outcomes for Victorians.

‘On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our congratulations to Toby on his appointment,’ said VLA Board Chairperson Bill Jaboor.

‘Toby will provide strong leadership and a focus on organisational sustainability, staff wellbeing and quality service delivery, as well as continuing the organisation’s journey towards inclusion, reconciliation, and self-determination,’ said Bill.

‘I’m looking forward to joining Victoria Legal Aid and working with staff across the state, as well as sector partners and stakeholders, to improve outcomes for clients and community,’ said Toby Hemming.

Toby starts in the role on 17 February 2025. Rowan McRae will continue to act as CEO in the interim.

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