Shine Announces Appointment of New Chief Magistrate

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine has announced that barrister Brendan Butler AM SC has been appointed Queensland’s new Chief Magistrate.

“Mr Butler’s appointment has today been approved by the Governor in Council and he is eminently qualified to take up this position,” Mr Shine said.

“Mr Butler will replace Judge Marshall Irwin, who ends his five year appointment as Chief Magistrate this weekend.”

Mr Shine said Mr Butler has had a distinguished career which includes appointments as Chairman of the Crime and Misconduct Commission and as the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.

“Mr Butler was Chairman of the CMC (formerly the Criminal Justice Commission) from 1998 until 2004 and under his leadership the Commission combined investigative and preventive action in order to promote integrity in the Queensland public sector.”

“In his time as Chairman Mr Butler was the presiding Commissioner in public and private hearings into corruption and organised crime.”

Mr Shine said while in practice at the private bar Mr Butler has mainly engaged in criminal and public law and has made a number of appearances before the High Court of Australia and the Queensland Court of Appeal.

“Mr Butler’s standing as a Barrister was recognised by his appointment as Senior Counsel in 1994.”

Mr Shine said a valedictory ceremony for Judge Irwin will be held later today to honour his term as Chief Magistrate.

Judge Irwin will now take up a position on the District Court bench.


Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273