New Chief Magistrate for Queensland

Queenslanders and justice will benefit from a proven legal leader with the Government to recommend the appointment of Queensland’s new Chief Magistrate to Governor in Council.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the Government would recommend current Deputy Chief Magistrate Ray Rinaudo be appointed to Chief Magistrate.

“Ray Rinaudo has a distinguished record of legal and administrative accomplishment, making him ideal for this important and challenging role,” Mr Bleijie said. 

“Queensland’s Magistrates Court deals with around 200,000 defendants a year and it has the highest number of criminal lodgements in the country.

“His Honour has the fine legal mind, administrative skills and experience necessary to ensure Queenslanders have access to fair and efficient justice.

“Magistrate Rinaudo has served as a Queensland Magistrate for nine years and was appointed as Deputy Chief Magistrate last year. He has also filled the role of Acting State Coroner in the past.

“His pre-judicial career included important positions, such as President of the Queensland Law Society and Legal Aid Commissioner.

“Magistrate Rinaudo will also be sworn in as a Judge of the District Court.”

Mr Bleijie said the Government would recommend Magistrate Leanne O’Shea to Governor in Council to take on the Deputy Chief Magistrate position.

“As Brisbane’s Childrens Court Magistrate, Her Honour provided jurisdictional leadership to other Magistrates in the difficult area of juvenile justice and child protection,” he said.

“Magistrate O’Shea has more than 30 years’ legal experience, including two decades in private practice specialising in family law and child protection.

“Her experience and leadership will be very welcome in this diverse and busy jurisdiction.

“Queensland boasts some of the finest legal minds in the country and we are blessed that so many agree to serve the state on the bench. I congratulate and thank Magistrates Rinaudo and O’Shea for agreeing to take on these important roles in our justice system.

“The recommendations followed consultation with the Queensland Bar Association and the Queensland Law Society and I thank them for their advice and counsel.”

The recommended appointments will fill vacancies following the appointment of The Honourable Judge Tim Carmody to Chief Justice.

[ENDS] 19 June 2014

Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Jaime Wells 0409 624 139