Farewell to Justice Moynihan

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has paid tribute to former Supreme Court Judge Martin Moynihan, AO, who passed away in Brisbane this week.

Mrs D’Ath said Justice Moynihan was a giant of the legal profession.

“This is an enormous loss to the profession and, of course, to his family and friends,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“Justice Moynihan was one of our finest legal leaders, celebrated for his sharp mind, his mentorship of young lawyers, and his commitment to advancing the profession.”

Justice Moynihan was a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland from 1984-2007 and served as chair of the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission from 2010-2011.

He played a key role in landmark changes to the entitlement of indigenous Australians as the presiding judge in the Mabo land rights case.

Justice Moynihan was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.

During his tenure as a judge of the Supreme Court, Moynihan served as deputy chairperson of the Mater Health Services governing board (1990-93), a consultant to the Future Directions committee of the Family Court of Australia (1998–2001) and chairperson of the Mater Medical Research Institute 1999.

Judge Moynihan, 76, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday. His funeral is in Brisbane this afternoon.

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