New Chief Justice appointed

THE Palaszczuk Government has announced the next Chief Justice of Queensland as respected Court of Appeal Justice Catherine Holmes.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Justice Holmes was a standout choice to serve as Queensland’s 19th Chief Justice.

“Justice Holmes is a terrific legal mind who has extensive experience as a judge across the criminal, civil and appellate jurisdictions,” she said.

“I am confident she will bring stability, integrity and provide vital leadership during her tenure as the next Chief Justice of Queensland.”

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said Justice Holmes is held in high regard by the legal profession and the judiciary.

“Justice Holmes is a widely-respected judge who brings tenacity, strength and a wealth of knowledge to this important role,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“She is a founding member of the Women’s Legal Service and worked early in her career as both a prosecutor and as a barrister.

“She has served as a judge of the Supreme Court since 2000 and was appointed to the Queensland Court of Appeal in 2006.

“Justice Holmes has a demonstrated working background across all facets of the legal profession and I warmly congratulate her on the appointment as Chief Justice of Queensland.”

Justice Holmes was admitted as a barrister in 1984, working briefly as a Commonwealth crown prosecutor and then at the private bar.

Justice Holmes took silk in 1999, served as a part-time member of the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal from 1994-2000 and deputy president of the Queensland Community Corrections Board in 1997.

She was counsel assisting the Forde Commission of Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Institutions and served as an acting judge of the District Court of Queensland in 1999.

While appointed to the Supreme Court of Queensland, she undertook duties as the Criminal List judge and in the Mental Health Court.

Justice Holmes conducted the 2011-12 Commission of Inquiry into the 2010-11 Queensland floods.

Justice Holmes will take up her position this month.

Media contact:

Premier's office - 3719 7000

Attorney-General's office - 3719 7400