Published Thursday, 18 September, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Shine welcomes new Chief Magistrate
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine has welcomed Judge Brendan Butler AM SC to his new position as Queensland’s Chief Magistrate.
Judge Butler was officially sworn in to the position of Chief Magistrate this afternoon at the Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Mr Shine said Mr Butler has had a distinguished career which includes appointments as Chairperson of the Crime and Misconduct Commission and its predecessor the Criminal Justice Commission, and as the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.
“Mr Butler was Chairman of the CMC and CJC from 1998 until 2004 and under his leadership the Commission combined investigative and preventative action in order to promote integrity in the Queensland public sector,” said Mr Shine.
“In his time as Chairperson Mr Butler was the presiding Commissioner in public and private hearings into corruption and organised crime.
“I have every confidence that Judge Butler will approach his new position with the integrity, humanity, moral courage and common sense the position warrants.”
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 Butler was appointed a District Court Judge from 15 September 2008 and was granted leave of absence while he performs the role of Chief Magistrate.
His swearing-in as a District Court Judge took place in a private ceremony at the District Court on Monday.
Judge Butler replaces Judge Marshall Irwin who has taken up his position on the District Court bench.
Media Contact: Kate Lennox 3224 7481 or 0421 127 869
Judge Butler was officially sworn in to the position of Chief Magistrate this afternoon at the Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Mr Shine said Mr Butler has had a distinguished career which includes appointments as Chairperson of the Crime and Misconduct Commission and its predecessor the Criminal Justice Commission, and as the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.
“Mr Butler was Chairman of the CMC and CJC from 1998 until 2004 and under his leadership the Commission combined investigative and preventative action in order to promote integrity in the Queensland public sector,” said Mr Shine.
“In his time as Chairperson Mr Butler was the presiding Commissioner in public and private hearings into corruption and organised crime.
“I have every confidence that Judge Butler will approach his new position with the integrity, humanity, moral courage and common sense the position warrants.”
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 Butler was appointed a District Court Judge from 15 September 2008 and was granted leave of absence while he performs the role of Chief Magistrate.
His swearing-in as a District Court Judge took place in a private ceremony at the District Court on Monday.
Judge Butler replaces Judge Marshall Irwin who has taken up his position on the District Court bench.
Media Contact: Kate Lennox 3224 7481 or 0421 127 869