New Cairns Magistrate sworn-in

An additional Magistrate was sworn-in to Cairns today to allow more frequent court hearings in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Cape York and Torres Strait.

Attorney-General Kerry Shine said former Queensland Law Society president and Cairns solicitor Joe Pinder was sworn-in to fill the additional Magistrate position created in Cairns.

“Magistrate Pinder boasts a distinguished legal career after starting as an articled clerk in Cairns in 1982,” Mr Shine said.

“Magistrate Pinder was admitted as a solicitor in 1987 and he practised law in Cairns since, most recently as principal as Pinder Gandini Special Personal Injury Lawyers.”

Mr Shine said Magistrate Pinder’s appointment has been widely welcomed by the legal profession.

“Magistrate Pinder’s involvement in the Cairns community, includes his service as honorary solicitor to the Cairns Basketball Association.”

Mr Shine said the creation of an additional, and eighth, Magistrate’s position in Cairns was in line with the Government’s commitment to a fair, open and accessible justice system for all Queenslanders.

“The Government has recognised the need to provide greater resources for the administration of justice in far north Queensland,” Mr Shine said.

“The additional Magistrate’s position was funded under the latest State Budget to ensure more frequent circuit courts in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Cape York and the Torres Strait were conducted. It will mean there are now eight Magistrates based in Cairns.”

“The Government has provided additional appointments in the Magistrates Court and other jurisdictions. The Government is also funding new and upgraded courthouses, such as the planned new courthouse at Mareeba here in the far north.”

14 August 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au