Profile
Craig Hyland is Victoria’s Solicitor for Public Prosecutions (SPP). He was appointed in March 2009, bringing with him more than 20 years experience in criminal prosecutions in New South Wales as well as expertise in public sector management. He graduated with a Bachelor of Jurisprudence in 1983 and Bachelor of Law in 1985. He was admitted to practice as a solicitor in 1986.
Mr Hyland began his career in criminal prosecutions with the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in 1988 where he held various legal and managerial positions. He spent five years managing the Sydney office as Assistant Solicitor (Operations) before he moved to Victoria.
Mr Hyland has furthered his interest in public sector management by completing post-graduate studies in public administration at the University of Sydney, graduating with a Diploma in Public Administration in 2007.
The role of Solicitor for Public Prosecutions
The SPP has the functions of a public service body head under the Public Administration Act 2004 in relation to the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP). The OPP’s function is to prepare and conduct criminal prosecutions effectively, economically and efficiently. As such the SPP manages the OPP on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This involves the management of the staff and budget of what is Victoria’s largest criminal practice.
The SPP is responsible for briefing Crown Prosecutors, Associate Crown Prosecutors, Solicitor Advocates and barristers to appear in criminal proceedings on behalf of the DPP.
In carrying out his duties, the SPP needs to ensure the prosecutorial system gives appropriate consideration to the concerns of victims of crime.
The SPP is a member of the Director’s Committee, along with the DPP and the Chief Crown Prosecutor.