With her appointment as legal counsel for Animals Australia, Shatha Hamade has been succeeded as National Co-ordinator by Anastasia Smietanka, previously her Deputy. The Panel will continue to work closely with Shatha in her new role with Animals Australia.

Anastasia has been with the Panel for over 3 years. Prior to her role as National Co-ordinator, Anastasia was the state co-ordinator for Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. She graduated from a combined law and media degree at the University of Melbourne with an honours degree in Fresh. She is working as a trainee lawyer at a mid tier commercial firm in Melbourne.