Trade Minister Mark Vaile announced today that the Hon John Lockhart, AO, QC, had been appointed to fill one of three upcoming vacancies on the World Trade Organisation's peak dispute settlement tribunal, the Appellate Body.

"This will be the highest-level appointment achieved by an Australian in the WTO system.  The outcome reflects very positively on Mr Lockhart's strong legal credentials and background and, on behalf of the Government, I would like to offer him my warmest congratulations," Mr Vaile said.

"The outcome is also very pleasing because it confirms the influence and standing enjoyed by Australia and Australians in the WTO and is a positive acknowledgment of the active and constructive role played by Australia in the WTO, including in the dispute settlement system.

"Mr Lockhart is an excellent choice for such a demanding and prestigious role.  The Government believes he will make a significant contribution to the work of the Appellate Body."

The Appellate Body is the organ in the WTO dispute settlement machinery that hears appeals on questions of law arising out of panel decisions.  It comprises seven members drawn from the WTO membership of 145 countries.  Three places on the Appellate Body will fall vacant at the end of this year.

The selection process was highly competitive attracting 12 candidates including from European Union and Latin American countries and Canada.  The recommendations of the selection committee were approved by all WTO member countries at a meeting of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body on 25 September.  Candidates from Brazil and Italy were also approved along with Mr Lockhart.

Mr Lockhart is a former Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, Judicial Consultant to the World Bank and is currently serving as Australia's Executive Director to the Asian Development Bank.

Mr Lockhart is expected to take up his position in early 2002.