"Work with integrity, succeed with integrity" - Abdul Kallam

Martin Taylor is a Councillor for the Whittlesea City Council having been elected in 2024 as the representative for the South Morang Ward. He is also an innovative and highly skilled Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia. As a General Counsel, Registered Australian Legal Practitioner, Principal Lawyer, Prosecutor, Educator, Military Officer, and Veteran, he has dedicated his career to serving others with unwavering commitment and expertise.

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With an impressive 27 undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, Martin's specialised expertise spans law, legal practice, fraud, policing, investigations, management, education, and training and assessment. Over the past 22 years, his work has primarily focused on investigating serious and organised crime as Senior Counsel Assisting at the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (formerly the Australian Crime Commission). His extensive training and experience have enabled him to navigate the intricacies of complex large scale investigations, playing crucial roles in the success of significant operations. As a Senior Counsel Assisting in over a thousand coercive hearings across Australia, Martin's profound knowledge and unique methodologies have made him one of the most highly sought after practitioners in his field.

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Military Experience

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Martin's distinguished military career further exemplifies his commitment to public service and leadership. He initially served for six years in the Military Police before later taking a Commission as an Officer. Martin now holds the rank of Major in the Australian Army Reserve, he has applied his legal expertise and strategic acumen in various military contexts. Throughout his service, Martin has been involved in critical legal advisory roles, ensuring that military operations adhere to both domestic and international laws. His responsibilities have not only included providing extensive legal counsel during deployments, advising Commanders on the rules of engagement, and overseeing military justice matters etc, but he has actively deployed on three occasions in various other roles including with the 4th Brigade Reserve Response Force operations involving the bush fires, floods and Covid 19 Assist Operations in Victoria where he held various command positions including Acting Officer Commanding.

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His military service is marked by a deep sense of duty and a drive to protect and support those who serve. Martin's leadership and decision making skills have been honed through rigorous training and active participation in military exercises and operations. This experience has not only enriched his legal practice but also deepened his understanding of the unique challenges faced by military personnel, police, and first responders particularly in relation to mental health and PTSD.

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Beyond his direct legal and military roles, Martin has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and support in the community. He has contributed significantly to initiatives aimed at improving mental health support services to all communities and recognising the profound impact this support service can have on individuals' wellbeing. His commitment to this cause is reflected in his co-development of a groundbreaking diagnostic tool designed to identify individuals at risk of suicide enabling immediate the implementation of appropriate counseling. 

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Community and Volunteer Work

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Beyond his professional achievements, Martin is deeply passionate about community service his commitment to his community extends to his volunteer role as an Advanced Responder with St John Ambulance, where he holds qualifications in Paramedical Science. He has also served as a firefighter with the Country Fire Authority, providing critical support in emergency situations and mentoring younger members in developing their skills. His passion for nurturing the next generation led him, as a volunteer to co-create and implement a Primary School Student Bicycle Mechanic, Maintenance, and Restoration Program. This educational initiative, tailored for Grade 5 and 6 students, aims to support underprivileged children or children in need, while equipping them with essential life skills, including teamwork, communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and basic bicycle mechanics.

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Martin's dedication to professionalism, leadership, and service has been recognised by a number of agencies through numerous highly commended commendations, commendations, citations, and awards etc he has been awarded. Among these, three of the most significant honours are a Queen's Commission (Military) and a Statutory Appointment by the Governor of Victoria, on recommendation by the Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services and being a finalist for the 2024 award of Volunteer of the Year.

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