Published Yesterday at 11:36 AM

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity
The Honourable Deb Frecklington

MEDIA STATEMENT: Crisafulli Government delivers two new Judges, one Magistrate for Queensland

Crisafulli Government delivers two new Judges, one Magistrate for Queensland 

  • Sarah Farnden KC and Dominique Grigg appointed as Judges of the District Court of Queensland.
  • Peter Kuskie appointed to the Queensland Magistrates Court.
  • District Court Judges will serve in Brisbane and Magistrate will serve in Rockhampton.

The Crisafulli Government has announced the appointments of two new District Court Judges and one Magistrate. 

Sarah Farnden KC and Dominique Grigg will commence positions as Judges of the District Court in Brisbane and Peter Kuskie will serve as a Magistrate at the Rockhampton Courthouse. 

Sarah Farnden KC has spent more than two decades building her legal expertise in criminal law, regulatory matters, administrative law and related appeals. 

She was appointed Kings Counsel in 2022.  

Prior to joining the private Bar, Ms Farnden served in various roles at the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions including as a Consultant and Principal Crown Prosecutor.  

She has also made considerable contributions while serving as Special Counsel for Crown Law, appearing in regulatory prosecutions and appeals, the Mental Health Court, and with applications under Dangerous Prisoner Legislation. 

Dominique Grigg has been a legal practitioner for nearly three decades with experience in commercial law, intellectual property, administration law, tax law, workers compensation law and regulatory law. 

Ms Grigg’s commission follows her significant prior legal experience as an arbitrator and mediator. 

She has held appointments as a Senior Member at the Administration Appeals Tribunal, Sessional Commissioner for Major Crime at the Crime and Corruption Commission, and as a Member of the Disciplinary Panel of CPA Australia. 

Peter Kuskie brings an extensive legal background to the Magistrates Court, with his work spanning multiple jurisdictions and practice areas as a Partner in private practice. 

Following his admission as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1995, he has practiced across criminal law, family law, administrative law, property law and commercial law. 

He has also acted in pro-bono cases for veterans, indigenous Australians, and victims of domestic violence, showing his unwavering dedication to justice and service in the legal profession. 

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington congratulated the new Judges and Magistrate on their well-deserved appointments.   

“Their depth of experience in managing complex and sensitive cases, coupled with a strong commitment to fairness, will be an asset to the Courts and the judiciary,” the Attorney-General said.  

“Ms Farden, Ms Grigg and Mr Kuskie’s diverse professional backgrounds will bring valuable perspectives to the bench, enhancing the judiciary’s ability to serve the Queensland community.  

"It is a pleasure to welcome these highly regarded legal professionals to the District and Magistrates Courts." 

Ms Farnden and Ms Grigg will commence on 9 June and 23 June respectively, with Mr Kuskie commencing on 6 June. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Molly Snaylam 0448 320 555