President and Deputy Presidents appointed to the new Parole Board Queensland

Minister for Corrective Services has today announced that Governor in Council approved the appointment of Michael Byrne QC as President of the Parole Board Queensland, and Julie Sharp and Peter Shields as Deputy Presidents of the Parole Board Queensland.

Minister Ryan congratulated Michael Byrne QC, Julie Sharp and Peter Shields on their appointments.

“This is a great day for community safety as we have the right people leading the reform of Queensland’s parole system,” said Minister Ryan.

“The calibre of these appointments to the new board is true to the vision of the Sofronoff Review of a professionalised single Parole Board employing rigorous and well-informed decision-making on parole matters.

“The Palaszczuk Government made a commitment to Queenslanders that we would move quickly to ensure the recommendations of the Sofronoff Review were implemented with consideration and due diligence to ultimately enhance the safety of our communities.

“Today’s appointments are an excellent example of this government delivering on our commitment.”

Mr Byrne appointed as President was first called to the Bar in December 1977 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in December 1993.

Mr Byrne has an extensive practice in the criminal justice field and has previously served as Commissioner for the Queensland Organised Crime Commission of Inquiry.

Ms Sharp appointed as Deputy President was admitted to practice as a Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1999 and holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Business Relations (Griffith).  

Ms Sharp is a highly qualified and experienced advocate who has successfully represented clients in the Magistrates Court, District Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court of Australia. She has also represented clients in specialist tribunals including the Coroner’s Court and the Industrial Magistrates Court.

Mr Shields also appointed as Deputy President holds a Master of Laws with a major in public law (QUT), a Bachelor of Laws (QUT) and a Diploma in Legal Practice (Bond).

Mr Shields is admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland, the Supreme Court of New South Wales, as a Barrister and Solicitor of New Zealand and is entered in the Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia.

Mr Shields has had a highly successful career as a leading criminal lawyer and criminal investigator and is currently Chairperson of the Queensland Law Society Criminal Law Section Committee in which he has been a member since 2010.

Minister Ryan said the appointments announced today will play a key role in establishing the new Parole Board Queensland.

“The appointment of Mr Michael Byrne QC, Ms Julie Sharp and Mr Peter Shields highlights strong experience, qualifications and standing as legal practitioners. These appointments ensure Queensland is in safe hands as they are more than eminently qualified for their respective roles on the Parole Board,” he said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to implementing the Sofronoff Review recommendations and today’s announcement is just one more step in ensuring that community safety comes first.”

Mr Michael Byrne QC, Ms Julie Sharp and Mr Peter Shields will begin their five year terms on 3 July 2017.

ENDS

Media contact: Michelle Connolly 0478 325 738