Three new judges appointed

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath today announced the appointment of three new judges for Queensland.  

Barrister Soraya Ryan QC will become a Supreme Court Justice in Brisbane, starting work tomorrow.

Barrister Michael Williamson QC has been appointed as a District Court Judge in Brisbane.

And Federal Court Judge John Coker will take up a new position in the District Court in Townsville.

“These experienced practitioners will bring a wealth of legal experience to the bench,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Soraya Ryan is an experienced criminal trial lawyer and appellate advocate, who has practised law since 1988 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013. She has worked as an ODPP Senior Crown Prosecutor, university lecturer, in-house Counsel at Legal Aid Queensland, and as part-time Commissioner for both the Queensland Law Reform Commission and the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Soraya Ryan’s legal career has had a strong emphasis on representing the vulnerable in the community.

“A new Supreme Court judge wasn’t scheduled for appointment until the end of the year but Soraya Ryan’s appointment will provide extra support in the meantime,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Michael Williamson QC has worked as a barrister in private practice in Brisbane since 2004, specialising in Planning and Environment Law.

“Planning and environmental law are key areas of the District Court’s jurisdiction and Michael Williamson’s extensive experience in this area is particularly welcomed.”

Judge John Coker has already been a Federal Court judge for more than 17 years and a qualified legal practitioner in Townsville since 1985.

“I thank Mr Coker for his commitment to justice in North Queensland, and wish him well as he extends his experience to a new jurisdiction in Townsville,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Media contact: Kirsten MacGregor 0417 675 917