SUPREME COURT WELCOMES FIRST FEMALE CHIEF JUSTICE

THE Supreme Court is set to receive Catherine Holmes (pictured) as Queensland's 19th Chief Justice, the first woman to hold the position.

President of the Queensland Law Society Michael Fitzgerald has welcomed the former Court of Appeal Judge, noting her new role is one of central importance to the judiciary and profession on the whole.

"We look forward to working with the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Holmes, in maintaining and preserving the rule of law and access to justice across the state," says Fitzgerald.

"The appointment brings certainty to our profession and our community."

Holmes will assume the position later this month. Her promotion follows the resignation of former justice Tim Carmody who ended his term in July, after the Minister for Justice Yvette D'Ath declared that throwing in the towel was "a dignified end to the controversy" of his tenure.

Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the government's decision to appoint Holmes, saying she was a standout choice for the role.

"Justice Holmes is a terrific legal mind who has extensive experience as a judge across the criminal, civil and appellate jurisdictions," says the Queensland Premier.

"I am confident she will bring stability, integrity and provide vital leadership during her tenure as the next Chief Justice of Queensland."

Holmes was first admitted to the bar in 1984, having since built an eminent career which spans the breadth of civil, criminal and appellate jurisdictions.

She is a founding member of the Women's Legal Service and has previously served on the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal and the Queensland Corrections Board before taking up position on the Supreme Court bench in 2000.

Photo credit: Supreme Court Library Queensland.