Presenters

Myles Tooher, Deputy General Counsel, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Myles Tooher is the Deputy General Counsel at the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change. Myles is a senior government lawyer responsible for advising the DELWP Executive Board and staff across the Department on all facets of the legal spectrum, including advice on good decision making, lawful and effective policy and program design, corporate governance, regulation and prosecutions, responding to Royal Commissions and Board of Inquiry and the strategic management of litigation in a government context. Myles also leads generalist and specialist in-house legal teams working in government operations, environment and natural resources, fire and emergency management, Crown land use and development, public and administrative decision making and prosecutions. Myles has been a practising lawyer for nearly 18 years and has worked in Victorian government contexts for 16 of them, bringing a deep understanding of government legal and accountability frameworks. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) and Bachelor of Arts from Monash University.


Alanna Mitchell, Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor – Royal Commissions, Victorian Government Solicitors
Alanna Mitchell leads the Inquiries Prosecutions and Administrative Law branch at VGSO. She is an experienced Victorian Government lawyer specialising in administrative law, Royal Commissions and Inquiries, prosecutions, litigation, and projects. At the VGSO, Alanna has led the legal function in relation to the State's response to several significant Royal Commissions and public inquiries in recent years, including the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Mental Health Royal Commission, Aged Care Royal Commission, Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission, and National Natural Disaster Arrangements Royal Commission, among others. Alanna has a deep understanding of public sector governance and decision making processes and has participated in and chaired senior inter-departmental committees, working groups and panels across government over many years in relation to multiple major projects, legal matters and projects. Alanna has a strong understanding of the practical application of the law, client perspective and the imperatives of balancing good legal advice with great strategy, along with how to advocate strongly for the State's position in complex, information-rich, fast moving environments. Her deep experience in Royal Commissions means she can give forward thinking, practical and strategic advice to help you get the best outcome for Victoria in relation to this Royal Commission. Alanna holds a bachelor of arts/laws (hons) and a master of public administration both from the University of Melbourne and is also a qualified Prince2 project manager. She has previously worked in the Victorian treasury, in private legal practice and management consulting in the areas of major projects, finance, infrastructure and strategy.