The Office of Public Prosecutions sincerely congratulates Diana Inara Piekusis KC on her historic elevation to the office of Chief Crown Prosecutor.
Ms Piekusis, who is the first woman in Victoria to be appointed Chief Crown Prosecutor, has long been one of the state’s foremost prosecutors, having regularly appeared in high-profile matters on behalf of the State and Commonwealth DPPs prior to her appointments as Crown Prosecutor and Senior Crown Prosecutor in 2009 and 2018 respectively.
She brings to the role over 25 years legal experience as solicitor (1998-2003), counsel (2003 onwards) and senior counsel (2018 onwards).
On behalf of the Office of Public Prosecutions, newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions Brendan Kissane KC and Solicitor for Public Prosecutions Abbey Hogan congratulate Ms Piekusis.
“This appointment speaks to Diana Piekusis’ well-earned reputation as a prosecutor and leader,” Mr Kissane said.
“She is highly respected and regarded across the profession, not just for her skills as an advocate, which are second to none, but for her diligence, reliability, and deep sense of public duty.”
Before signing the bar roll, Ms Piekusis was a duty solicitor and associate public defender for Victoria Legal Aid in the Sunshine, Ringwood, and Melbourne offices, and she served articles with the Hon. Rob Stary of Stary George & Associates.
“Diana’s striking ability to master a brief in quick time and to discharge it with distinction is but one of her many qualities,” Ms Hogan said.
“She’s also an outstanding leader and mentor, and this appointment is an acknowledgement of her expertise, hard work, and dedication to the profession. We’re all excited to celebrate this appointment with her.”
Ms Piekusis holds a Bachelor of Legal Studies and a Bachelor of Laws from Latrobe University, and her wider service activities include membership of the Therapeutic Treatment Board.