New Magistrate welcomed to Southport

New Magistrate Michael Hogan was formally welcomed to the Southport Magistrates Court today.

Attorney-General Kerry Shine said Magistrate Hogan was the third Magistrate he had recommended for appointment as a Magistrate to be located at Southport since November last year.

"Magistrate Hogan's appointment follows an extensive and distinguished career as a solicitor and a barrister," Mr Shine said.

Mr Shine said Southport Magistrates Court was one of Queensland's busiest.

"The Government has recognised the workload of the Southport Magistrates Court has been increasing by appointing an additional Magistrate earlier this year and its inclusion in a judicial registrar pilot program," Mr Shine said.

"Southport along with Brisbane and Beenleigh Magistrates Courts will take part in the two-year $2.4 million judicial registrar pilot program."

"The aim of the project is to trial the use of judicial registrars to hear minor and uncontested matters so as to alleviate pressure on magistrates."

Mr Shine joined Chief Magistrate Judge Marshall Irwin, fellow Magistrates, members of the legal profession and Members for Southport Peter Lawlor and Gaven Phil Gray at the welcoming ceremony today.

30 August 2007

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0418 197 350