Thomas Ian "Tom" Pauling, AO, QC (born 13 December 1946) is an Australian lawyer who is the former Administrator of the Northern Territory.Born in Sydney, Pauling was educated at Drummoyne Boys' High School, and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Sydney Law School (Syd). He was admitted to the Bar in New South Wales in 1969, and worked for the NSW Public Solicitor.