New Deputy DPPs for Queensland

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has today announced the appointment of two senior and experienced barristers as Queensland’s new Deputy Directors of Public Prosecutions.

Mrs D’Ath congratulated Todd Fuller QC and Carl Heaton QC on their appointments.

“It’s vital for the ongoing safety of Queenslanders that those who commit serious crimes are not just apprehended and charged, but prosecuted and convicted,” said Mrs D’Ath.

“The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions plays a vital role in this process, and I am confident the experience and ability these appointments bring will further strengthen the administration of justice in this state.”

Mr Fuller QC and Mr Heaton QC both started working in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions more than 25 years ago.

They both understand the particular issues involved in the administration of justice in a state like Queensland, with Mr Fuller QC having worked for the DPP in Ipswich and Toowoomba, and Mr Heaton QC having worked for the DPP in Cairns and Maroochydore.

Mr Fuller has spent time as the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions and Mr Heaton’s experience also includes his role as the Deputy Public Defender since 2007.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1984 allows the appointment of two Deputy Directors of Public Prosecutions

The ODPP previously had two Deputies in 2010 when Michael Byrne SC and Ross Martin SC were both appointed.

Mrs D’Ath said the appointments announced today will play a key role in managing the increasing workload of the office of the DPP.

“The Palaszczuk Government is also responding to the growing complexity and demands placed on the criminal justice system by providing extra funding to the DPP,” said Mrs D’Ath.

Both Mr Fuller QC and Mr Heaton QC will begin their three year terms on 25 July 2016.

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