About Cathy Cato
Cathy was appointed Acting Inspector at the Victorian Inspectorate from 13 January 2025, following 6 years as Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel, and Executive Director, Legal and Integrity.
Cathy commenced her legal career in 1995 at the Australian Government Solicitor. After 8 years working across a broad range of litigation, she developed and co-managed a small business. Cathy became an in-house regulatory lawyer in 2007, and worked as State Director Legal at the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) from 2011.
Cathy commenced as a senior executive in the Victorian public sector in 2012 in the Department of Treasury and Finance, helping to establish the Construction Code Compliance Unit. She became the unit's Director in 2013, leading a multi-disciplinary team undertaking regulatory activities across the construction industry. Cathy also developed, advised on and implemented public sector construction procurement policy. Cathy served on a number of committees, including as chair of the whole of Victorian government Construction Contracts Advisory Panel.
In 2015, Cathy returned to the ABCC as National Manager, Building Code and served a statutory appointment as a Deputy ABC Commissioner from 2017 to 2018.
With over 25 years as a government lawyer and in regulatory management roles, Cathy has developed expertise in regulatory compliance and in managing and advising on investigations, including the exercise of coercive powers. Cathy is an experienced public speaker and trainer, who promotes education as a key component of oversight and regulation.
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