The QC who instilled fear in the hearts of Australia’s banking industry throughout the Hayne royal commission, Rowena “Shock and” Orr, has been appointed Victorian Solicitor-General in a move leading barristers say cements her rapid ascent through the state’s legal community.

The Andrews government announced on Tuesday that Ms Orr, best known for her fearless performance as senior counsel assisting the banking royal commission, was its pick for the state’s most senior legal adviser role.