New Magistrates to serve Queensland

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has today announced the appointment of three more Magistrates for Queensland.

Catherine Benson has been appointed to the bench of Rockhampton and Emerald Magistrates Courts, Michelle Dooley to Southport and James Morton to Mt Isa.

“I’ve now appointed six new magistrates across Queensland in the past month; all bring vast expertise to the bench,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Catherine Benson has worked as a barrister and solicitor, specialising in domestic violence, family law, child protection and mediation, and has lectured in Family Law at the James Cook University Cairns campus.

Michelle Dooley has been a solicitor with her own firm in Southport for the past 31 years, specialising in Children and Family Court matters and mediation.

James Morton is a barrister with broad criminal law experience. He has worked closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland and Northern Territory. He is also a QUT Law Lecturer, member of the Regional Parole Board and Chairman of the Sentencing Advisory Council.

“In particular, it’s pleasing to appoint magistrates who have demonstrated a commitment to regional Queensland,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Last month the Attorney-General announced three other new Magistrates: Andrew Sinclair and Mark Howden to the bench of Southport Magistrates Court, and Robbie Davies to Dalby Magistrates Court.

The latest appointments will take effect from Monday May 8.

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