New Supreme Court Justice for Queensland

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie has welcomed the appointment of Queensland’s newest Judge of the Supreme Court.

David Thomas will replace Justice Henry Fryberg, who will retire in November, and also take on the role of President of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for the next three years.

“With more than 30 years’ experience in dispute resolution and administration, David Thomas is perfect for this important role,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Not only is he an eminent lawyer, he has also held senior board positions with several organisations including the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA), Queensland Ballet and the Queensland Maritime Museum.

“Mr Thomas is recognised for his hands-on ability to plan and implement strategy and he has the right mix of legal and administrative skills necessary to oversee the diverse cases and issues dealt with in QCAT.

“He will be sworn in as a Judge of Supreme Court Trial Division next month and take over at QCAT in October.

“Appointing Mr Thomas before Justice Fryberg’s retirement will ensure a sufficient transition period.”

The appointment follows the end of Justice Alan Wilson’s five year term as QCAT’s President.

“I thank Justice Wilson for his years of hard work heading up this integral body,” Mr Bleijie said.

“His open mind helped implement the Newman Government’s ground breaking trial of allowing Justices of the Peace to preside over some QCAT matters.”

[ENDS] 29 August 2013

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