Former Bragg MP Vickie Chapman reveals new career in space law after quitting politics

Former attorney-general Vickie Chapman has revealed her new career post-politics – and it’s certainly out of this world.

Former attorney-general Vickie Chapman will resurrect her legal career post politics with a new focus on space law.

Ms Chapman, 64, formally quit her Liberal blue-ribbon seat of Bragg last Tuesday after 20 years serving her eastern suburbs electorate, toasting her last day in parliament with a glass of champagne with trusted colleagues.

Amid a bitter by-election to choose her Liberal successor, Ms Chapman has revealed her post-political life will involve relaunching her barrister career with a focus on the burgeoning space law field.

Ms Chapman, who was the state’s first female deputy premier and served as attorney-general in the former Liberal government, said she also wanted to mentor younger lawyers in the field.

Former attorney-general Vickie Chapman will resurrect her legal career post politics with a new focus on space law. Picture: Tait Schmaal

Returning to her old Anthony Mason Chambers in Victoria Square after an African holiday next month with her eldest granddaughter, Ms Chapman said her new work would be wide-ranging.

Her legal focus would include contracts, security, the launch and retrieval of satellites, cyberspace, military work, liaison with the Adelaide-based Australian Space Agency and any criminal work.

In a valedictory interview, she said she would use her government experience to “look at how I can assist advancing the space industry primarily in the legal space”.

“It is a new industry for the state and I will do everything I can to support it,” she said.

“There’s a lot of opportunities.

“Much of the law has not been written yet. We’ve opened up the space business after 50 years not being in the space world.

“We’ve got 50 years to catch up. We’ve already made significant steps and making the right moves.”

She said there were great opportunities for young lawyers through science and maths fields.

She wanted to take advantage of the nation’s space interests being centred at Lot Fourteen.

“We are the centre of space for the whole country,” she said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for 21st century kids who are part of that new frontier.”

Adelaide University already offers a Professional Certificate in Space Law, while Flinders is exploring its own course.

Ms Chapman, a mother of two and grandmother of five, said she was proud of her work as an MP who promoted diversity and shaped state law, including the creation of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

She also hoped to witness a South Australian judge appointed to the High Court bench. Her two secret nominations failed during her time as the state’s top lawyer.

“We have some of the best and brightest legal minds in the country who have been incredibly trained legally,” she said.

The Bragg by-election is July 2.

Originally published as Former Bragg MP Vickie Chapman reveals new career in space law after quitting politics