His Honour Judge Philip McCann of the District Court, has been appointed as the Commissioner of the Dispute Resolution Directorate for a term of 5 years, commencing on 11 March 2008.

Commissioner McCann was appointed a Judge of the District Court in January 2005, after a distinguished legal career in private practice and at the independent bar. Commissioner McCann replaces His Honour Judge Peter Nisbet QC who resigned his commission on 30 November 2007 and returned to the District Court after making a significant contribution to the establishment of the Directorate.

On two previous occasions Commissioner McCann has held appointments as Acting Commissioner of the Dispute Resolution Directorate.

Chief Executive Officer Adrian Warner has welcomed the appointment, and Su Lloyd, Director, Dispute Resolution Directorate, said that she looked forward to working with Commissioner McCann again.