New District Court judge appointed

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie has today announced the appointment of Mr Alexander Horneman-Wren SC, as a judge of the District Court of Queensland.

Mr Bleijie said Mr Horneman-Wren would also take up the position of the Deputy President of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for the next three years.

“Mr Horneman-Wren has been in private practice at the Queensland Bar for 19 years and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2009,” Mr Bleijie said.

“During his time as a barrister, he has practised in administrative, industrial and employment law in both federal and state jurisdictions.

“He has been a member of the Law Council of Australia’s Industrial Law Committee and the Bar Association of Queensland’s Professional Conduct Committee for the past decade.”

Mr Bleijie also announced the appointment of Mr David Paratz as a QCAT member for the next five years.

“Mr Paratz was the Queensland manager of the Australian commercial disputes centre for 12 years and has practiced as a barrister for almost a decade,” he said.

“He also has a great deal of experience conducting mediations in major commercial, construction and public interest disputes for a number of State Government departments.”

Mr Bleijie said QCAT was charged with the task of providing Queenslanders with dispute resolution that was fair, just, accessible, quick and inexpensive.

“A wide range of matters are handled through QCAT from dividing fence disputes through to tenancy and building disputes,” he said.

“More than 30,000 cases were lodged with QCAT in 2010-11, which was up six per cent on the previous financial year.

“It is great to have the gentlemen on-board as we launch our pilot program in QCAT using JPs to find solutions to minor civil disputes of less than $3000.

“Ultimately we want to see whether the use of JPs will help to reduce backlogs by freeing up QCAT adjudicators to deal with more complex matters.

“Both Mr Horneman-Wren and Mr Paratz are highly-regarded by the legal profession and their knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset in these important roles at the tribunal."

Media contact: Lisa O’Donnell – 0400 986 432 or Matt Johnston - 0432 535 893