Premier announces 26th Governor of Queensland

Her Majesty the Queen has approved the appointment of the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC as the 26^th Governor of Queensland.

Premier Campbell Newman said his Honour comes to the office of Governor following a distinguished career, most notably serving the people of Queensland as Chief Justice for the past 16 years.

“It is a great pleasure and honour to announce that Chief Justice de Jersey will continue to serve Queensland in his new role,” Mr Newman said.

“His Honour was born in Brisbane and raised in country Queensland as the third son of school teacher parents and is a proud Queenslander who has made a huge contribution to the legal profession.

“His extensive experience and service to the people of Queensland makes him not just qualified, but the perfect fit for this important role.

“The Chief Justice practised as a barrister for 14 years, the last three years as Queen’s Counsel before being appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland for 13 years.

“From there, he has served the people of Queensland impeccably as the head of the Queensland court system.

“Despite his busy schedule, Chief Justice de Jersey has managed to find time to give back to the community, especially to charities advancing cancer research and as the Chancellor of the Brisbane Diocese of the Anglican Church.

“I welcome his Honour, his wife Kaye and their three children, Carolyn, Alison and David and grandchildren, Alexander, Sophie and Lily to this appointment.

Mr Newman said Chief Justice de Jersey would be sworn in as the 26^th Governor and formally take over from current Governor Penelope Wensley AC on 29 July 2014.

“Ms Wensley has served her six year term with great distinction and on behalf of all Queenslanders I thank her for the significant contribution she has made to Queensland,” he said.

“The Governor will continue to undertake full official and public duties until the end of her term.

[ENDS] 26 February 2014

Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3719 7000

Chief Justice Contact: Paul Turner 0400 787 636

Please see below for biography.

Honourable Paul de Jersey AC

Paul de Jersey was born in Brisbane in 1948, the third son of school teacher parents.

He spent the first 12 years at Queensland country centres, then received his secondary and tertiary education in Brisbane, graduating in Arts and Laws from the University of Queensland.

During his university years he attained commissioned rank in the Queensland University Regiment.

He married Kaye in 1971 and they have three children and three grandchildren, all residing in Queensland.

He practised in Queensland as a barrister from 1971 to 1985, the last three years as Queen’s Counsel, and served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland for 13 years, prior to his term of 16 years as State Chief Justice.

In 2000, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in recognition of his extensive community involvement including his roles as President of the Australian Cancer Society 1998-2001 (Vice President 1995-1998), Trustee of the National Breast Cancer Foundation 1994-1999 and Chairman of the Queensland Cancer Fund 1994-2001.

Chief Justice de Jersey has been Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane since 1991, member of the Chapter of St John’s Cathedral since 1989 and member of the Council of the Anglican Church Grammar School 1990-1997.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Queensland in 2000 and in 2003 he was awarded a Centenary Medal.

In 2008 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the University of Southern Queensland.

His Honour is a Life Member of the Bar Association of Queensland.

In 2013 he became Chair of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research Council.