New Magistrates for regional areas

Three new Magistrates have been appointed to administer justice in regional Queensland.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the appointments of Steven Mosch, Simon Young and Aaron Simpson received Governor in Council approval today.

“These three additions to the Magistrates ranks are well respected in their fields and will bring a wealth of diverse experience to their respective court rooms.

“Townsville solicitor Steven Mosch will serve as a Magistrate in his home city. He is a partner in a successful local law firm and a former President of the North Queensland Law Association.

“Gympie solicitor Simon Young will also begin his appointment close to home, in Caboolture, before moving to Kingaroy in 2014. He is a director of a local law firm, qualified to appear in the High Court of Australia, and he is the former President of the Gympie Chamber of Commerce.

“Aaron Simpson is a barrister who has served as both a prosecutor and defence counsel. He was also Counsel Assisting the Child Protection Commission of Inquiry. He will begin his appointment in Ipswich, before moving to Bundaberg next year.

“The appointments fill existing vacancies and follow extensive consultation with the Chief Magistrate and the legal fraternity.

“I welcome and thank Messers Mosch, Young and Simpson for agreeing to take on these important roles.

“It is vitally important that Queenslanders have access to justice, wherever they live in this State.”

Mr Bleijie also congratulated Justice Glenn Martin, who began his new role as President of the Industrial Court this week.

“This is another step in His Honour’s already exemplary career,” he said.

“He has served as a Justice of the Supreme Court for six years and he is also a former President of the Bar Association.

“He takes over from David Hall, who recently retired.

Mr Bleijie said two new Commissioners had also been appointed to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC).

“Les Kaufman and Graeme Neate are eminent additions to this important body,” he said.

“Mr Kaufman is a barrister with extensive industrial relations experience. He was Senior Deputy President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (later Fair Work Australia).

“Mr Neate’s administrative and decision-making ability is well known. He was President of the National Native Title Tribunal for 14 years and he was also a member of Land Court of Queensland for eight years.”

[ENDS] 19 November 2013

Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351