Appointment of Associate Director of Public Prosecutions
Attorney-General’s portfolio The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Nicholas Broadbent SC as Associate Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth). Mr Broadbent’s five-year appointment will commence on 6 October 2026 following an open and competitive merit-based appointment process. As Associate Director, Mr Broadbent will provide senior legal leadership and work closely with the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) to support the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP) in the prosecution of alleged offences against Commonwealth law.
The CDPP is Australia’s federal prosecution service. It is responsible for prosecuting a broad range of serious and complex criminal matters on behalf of the Commonwealth, and operates independently of Government and the political process. For more information about the CDPP, visit the Mr Broadbent was appointed as the Deputy Senior Public Defender at the NSW Public Defenders in 2025, having previously served as a Public Defender in Dubbo, NSW for five years.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Economics from Macquarie University, and a Master of Laws from Harvard University. Mr Broadbent practised as a barrister at Maurice Byers Chambers from 2009 to 2019 and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2024. He has also held leadership and strategic roles within the legal profession, including as a Councillor and Honorary Secretary of the NSW Bar Association.
Mr Broadbent is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Law, Society & Criminology at the University of New South Wales. His experience encompasses criminal law, legal education, professional leadership and public service. Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP: “I congratulate Mr Broadbent on his appointment as Associate Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth).
“The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions plays a vital role in our justice system, prosecuting some of the most serious alleged offenders, including those charged with terrorism, drug importation, and child exploitation. “Mr Broadbent’s experience, expertise and leadership will be a significant asset to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions as it continues its important work.”