Shine farewells Chief Magistrate

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine has thanked Judge Marshall Irwin for his service as Queensland’s Chief Magistrate over the last five years.

A valedictory ceremony was held for Judge Irwin this afternoon to honour his term as Chief Magistrate.

“The Magistrates’ Court is our busiest court, and the one with which most Queenslanders will have contact,” Mr Shine said.

“Judge Irwin delivered a timely and efficient Magistrates Court service which has helped maintain public confidence in the justice system.”

Judge Irwin was sworn in as Chief Magistrate in September 2003 and at the time the appointment was welcomed with great enthusiasm by both the barristers’ and solicitors’ branches of the profession.

“Judge Irwin was the first District Court Judge appointed as Chief Magistrate in Queensland, he was also the first Chief Magistrate to have sat in every Magistrates Court in Queensland, including the new sitting venues throughout the Torres Strait,” Mr Shine said.

“One of the early changes brought about by Judge Irwin was the recognition of Magistrates as Your Honour, bringing them into line with other judicial officers in Queensland.

“Another was the introduction of the wearing of robes by barristers appearing in the Magistrates’ Court.

“I thank Judge Irwin for his stewardship of the Court for the past five years, during this time, the Court has operated as a cohesive unit.”

Today’s valedictory also marks Judge Irwin’s transition to the District Court, a position he was appointed to five years ago, but from which leave was taken to accept the position of Chief Magistrate.


Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273