Robert James "Bob" Ellicott (born 15 April 1927 in Moree, New South Wales) is an Australian lawyer, former politician and jurist. Over a long public career he combined private legal practice with high office in the national government and later service on the Federal Court. He has been recognized with senior legal honours, including the title of Queen's Counsel and appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia.

Ellicott trained as a lawyer before entering politics, building a reputation in private practice and in court work. His legal background provided the foundation for roles that required both advocacy and the drafting and interpretation of legislation. Like many Australian politicians with legal training, he moved between court work and public office.

Parliamentary career

Ellicott was elected to the House of Representatives as the Liberal member for the Division of Wentworth at the 1974 federal election. As a federal MP he participated in parliamentary debates and committees, representing a Sydney electorate known for its professional and business communities. His presence in Canberra combined constituency work with engagement on national legal and constitutional issues.

He served in the Parliament of Australia as part of the Liberal–Country coalition. Information on the institution in which he served is available via the Parliament of Australia, which explains the roles and responsibilities of members and the structure of the federal legislature.

Attorney-General and ministerial responsibilities

In the Fraser government, Ellicott was Attorney-General from 1975 until 1977. The Attorney-General is the Commonwealth's first law officer, advising the government on legal matters and overseeing law reform and parts of the justice system. Typical responsibilities of the office include:

  • advising the Prime Minister and Cabinet on legal and constitutional questions;
  • overseeing prosecution policy and certain legal services;
  • initiating or guiding law reform and legislation affecting the federal legal framework.

His ministerial work took place during the period of Malcolm Fraser's prime ministership and is commonly referred to within the context of the Fraser Ministry.

Judicial appointment and later career

After leaving politics, Ellicott was appointed to the Federal Court of Australia. The Federal Court hears a wide range of matters, including administrative law, commercial disputes, intellectual property, taxation and native title. Ellicott is one of a small number of Australians who have served both as a member of federal Parliament and as a judge on the Federal Court, a transition that underscores his combined experience in law and public affairs.

Significance and legacy

Ellicott's career illustrates a pathway from legal practice to elected office and then to the judiciary. His tenure as Attorney-General placed him at the centre of national legal policy in a turbulent period of Australian politics, and his later judicial service contributed to the development and application of federal law. He remains a notable figure in discussions about the relationship between legal expertise and political leadership.