Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Boards & Memberships
Timeline
Generic

Nora Lamont

Lilydale,VIC

Summary

A seasoned professional with local government, governance, board leadership, community advocacy and legal experience. Solid knowledge of local government legislation and operations of Victorian councils. Council, Tribunal, board and community stakeholder management. Excellent advocacy skills and communication skills. Collaborative leader with documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders and within the community.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Member

Administrative Appeals Tribunal
07.2017 - Current

Appointed by the Attorney General of Australia to the Migration and Refugee Division.

Prepare for and hold hearings for review of refugee protection visa refusals and other migration related refusals. In preparation for hearings, do legal research including country information, assess protection claims and write decisions.

  • Investigate facts and law of cases, using pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information, upholding the AAT's ethical standards and reputation.
  • Utilise effective questioning techniques during hearings to elicit key information from witnesses and parties, promoting accurate fact-finding and a meaningful record for review.
  • Hear oral evidence and testimony before the Tribunal, and written documentation to establish case facts and the applicant's arguments.
  • Adhere to natural justice principles and approach applicants with empathy.
  • Draft well-reasoned decisions to be upheld on appeal, reflecting a high level of legal knowledge and analytical ability.
  • Work to reduce the backlog of pending cases by conducting efficient hearings and expediting the decision-making process.
  • Collaborate with fellow Tribunal Members to share best practices and develop strategies for overcoming common challenges faced during hearings and decision writing.
  • Participate in continuing education programs to remain current on developments in administrative law, resulting in more informed decision-making.

Councillor/Deputy Mayor/Mayor

Maroondah City Council
11.2008 - 12.2021

Elected in 2008 to represent the Mullum Ward, subsequently re-elected in 2012, 2016 and in 2020 elected to the new Wonga Ward. (Moved from multi-member to single member wards).

Mayor of the City 2012-2013 and 2017-2018.

Deputy Mayor of the City 2016 and 2020.

  • Spearheaded initiatives to improve city accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and promoting inclusivity throughout the community.
  • Increased transparency in government affairs through regular communication with residents and media outlets.
  • Championed equity, diversity, and inclusion within city departments and the broader community.
  • Facilitated intergovernmental relations by working closely with state and federal officials to secure funding for critical projects within the city of Maroondah.
  • Represented Council at conferences and events.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Facilitated meaningful dialogue among diverse stakeholders, fostering greater understanding and collaboration among community members.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Improved community engagement by organizing regular events and workshops focused on local issues.

Council Representation:

  • Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing
  • Maroondah Tourism and Heritage Advisory Board
  • Maroondah Disability Advisory Committee (inaugural chair and chair for seven years)
  • Audit and Risk Committee
  • Maroondah Safety Committee
  • Maroondah Business Advisory Committee
  • Maroondah Community Wellbeing Committee
  • Municipal Association of Victoria
  • Eastern Region Group of Councils
  • Victorian Local Government Women's Charter
  • Maroondah Access, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Committee
  • Maroondah Liveability, Safety and Amenity Committee
  • Heritage Review Committee (Chair)

Member

Adult Parole Board Victoria
01.2014 - 04.2016

Appointed as a Community Member.

  • Prepared for and interviewed parolees.
  • Analysed and applied legal principles and performed legal research on parolees and the applicable law.
  • Held combined hearings with parolee and other members of the board to assess the parolees behaviour and needs after prison.
  • Participated in continuing education programs to remain current on developments in the law, resulting in more informed decision-making.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Owner

Lamont Migration
08.2009 - 01.2014
  • Provided migration advice, application assistance and follow up providing a comprehensive and seamless service for visa and migration matters.
  • Consulted with clients to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Established trust with clients through consistent follow-up and a commitment to understanding their unique needs.
  • Scheduled and attended meetings with clients and prospective clients as requested.
  • Attended immigration interviews representing the clients at all levels of the process.
  • Built client relationships by responding to inquiries, identifying and assessing clients' needs, resolving problems, and following up with potential and existing clients.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.

Provider of IAAAS Services

Florin Burhala And Associates
10.2009 - 09.2013

Contracted to provide Information Application Assistance and Advise services to Asylum Seekers in detention throughout Australia including Christmas Island, Leonora, Darwin IDC, Curtin IDC and Weipa IDC.

Provided the applicant with advice, prepared the applicants claims for protection and represented the applicant at the interview with immigration.

Provided applicants with advice and assistance at review of refusals at detention centres and in Melbourne and Sydney.

  • Maintained detailed records of client interactions, tracking progress over time.
  • Demonstrated adaptability when faced with changes or challenges in legal requirements by quickly adjusting strategies to maintain progress toward desired outcomes.
  • Worked in harsh and stressful situations in remote and desolate areas under intense pressure.

Education

J.D. - Law

University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT
2025

Graduate Certificate - Migration Law And Practice

Australian National University
Canberra, ACT
07.2009

Master of Arts - Public Administration

Hamline University
St Paul Minnesota
05.1999

Graduate Certificate - Planning

Hamline University
St. Paul Minnesota
05.1998

Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy And Political Science

University of Minnesota
Minneapolis Minnesota
12.1996

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Elected Representation
  • Legal Skills
  • Governance

Boards & Memberships

Board Representation:

  • Women's Health East

Board Member and Secretary 2014-2016

  • METEC Driver Education

Board Member and Secretary 2013-2016

Memberships:

  • Member of Australian Women in Local Government
  • Member of the Ringwood Historical Society
  • Member of the Ringwood Chamber of Commerce
  • Member of the Maroondah Business Association
  • Member Migration Alliance of Australia
  • Member of the Migration Institute of Australia

Other:

  • Completed in Board Room Training for Mayors
  • Awarded scholarship and completed The Advanced Leadership Program enabling the rapid advancement of high potential female leaders 2013
  • Multiple management and public speaking courses


Timeline

Member

Administrative Appeals Tribunal
07.2017 - Current

Member

Adult Parole Board Victoria
01.2014 - 04.2016

Provider of IAAAS Services

Florin Burhala And Associates
10.2009 - 09.2013

Owner

Lamont Migration
08.2009 - 01.2014

Councillor/Deputy Mayor/Mayor

Maroondah City Council
11.2008 - 12.2021

J.D. - Law

University of Canberra

Graduate Certificate - Migration Law And Practice

Australian National University

Master of Arts - Public Administration

Hamline University

Graduate Certificate - Planning

Hamline University

Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy And Political Science

University of Minnesota
Nora Lamont