JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

JUDGE Tim Carmody has been announced as Queensland’s new chief justice.

Carmody brings a myriad of experience to the Supreme Court, having worked up the ranks from positions in both the general and legal community.

He is regarded as the leader of the campaign to make Queensland the safest place to raise a child, heading the most comprehensive review of Queensland’s child protection system to date, the Child Protection Commission of Inquiry.

“Judge Carmody’s professional and life experience is both distinguished and diverse,” says attorney-general Jarrod Bleijie.

“Originally a meat packer and police officer, he was admitted to the Bar in 1982, served as Counsel Assisting the Fitzgerald Inquiry and then Special Prosecutor who conducted prosecutions of official corruption and other offences arising from the Inquiry’s investigations.

“He was Queensland’s Crime Commissioner from 1998 to 2002 and served as a Judge of the Family Court between 2003 and 2008 before returning to private practice.”

Carmody, the son of a meat packer from rural Inala, says he is honoured and humbled to accept the appointment.

“Fair, objective and independent justice is an integral part of the time tested foundation of our democracy and I will do my utmost to perform the duties of this high office in a progressive manner, while ensuring that foundation remains rock solid,” says Carmody

RAY RINAUDO

THE Queensland government has appointed Ray Rinaudo to the seniority of chief magistrate.

Rinaudo has a distinguished record in legal and administrative roles, serving as a Queensland magistrate for nine years and appointed as deputy chief magistrate last year.

He has also held the positions of president of the Queensland Law Society and Legal Aid commissioner.

“Ray Rinaudo is ideal for this important and challenging role – he has a fine legal mind, administrative skills and experience necessary to ensure Queenslanders have access to fair and efficient justice,” says attorney-general Jarrod Bleijie.

LEANNE O’SHEA

THE State has sworn in Leanne O’Shea as deputy chief magistrate.

O’Shea’s legal career spans more than 30 years, two-thirds of which in private practice specialising in family law and child protection.

“As Brisbane’s Childrens Court magistrate, she provided jurisdictional leadership to other magistrates in the difficult area of juvenile justice and child protection,” says attorney-general Jarrod Bleije.

“Her experience and leadership will be very welcome in this diverse and busy jurisdiction.”