Published Monday, 08 December, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Shine acknowledges 50 years of dedicated public service
The Honourable Justice Kenneth Mackenzie, today celebrated his valedictory after serving as a Queensland Supreme Judge for 19 years.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine congratulated Justice Mackenzie for a distinguished and lengthy public and judicial career.
The Solicitor-General Walter Sofronoff QC addressed the court on the Attorney-General’s behalf this morning, as he was attending the Bligh Government Community Cabinet in Gladstone.
“Justice Mackenzie began his career in 1958, as a clerk in the Supreme Court Registry,” said Mr Shine.
“This was the beginning of 50 years of outstanding public service in which Justice Mackenzie held a variety of public service positions, culminating in his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
“He was admitted as a Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1963, and began a role as a legal officer in the Solicitor-General’s office,” Mr Shine said.
Mr Shine said Justice Mackenzie was Crown Prosecutor from 1966-1970, Crown Counsel at the Solicitor-General’s Office 1981-1982, Crown Solicitor of Queensland 1982-1985, Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1985 and Solicitor-General of Queensland from 1985-1989, prior to being appointed a Supreme Court Judge in 1989.
“During his period as a Supreme Court Judge, Justice Mackenzie also held the position of President of the Industrial Court of Queensland, and in more recent years, Chair of the Supreme Court Library Committee, and Acting Judge of Appeal,” said Mr Shine.
“Throughout his prominent career Justice Mackenzie has always been regarded as considered and thoughtful by colleagues.
“He is also respected as a mentor to other judges particularly in the area of criminal law, where he is admired for the scope and depth of his legal knowledge.
“Justice Mackenzie has brought great experience and wisdom to his judicial roles and the bench has been enriched by his contribution.
“I would like to congratulate Justice Mackenzie and wish him and Mrs Mary Mackenzie all the best in retirement.
“The Honourable Chief Justice de Jersey commented during the ceremony that Justice Mackenzie’s career is almost certainly one of the longest spans of public service through formal employment and judicial appointment which this State has ever known.
“It is indeed an honour to be able to pay tribute to Justice Mackenzie and the invaluable contribution that he has made to the administration of justice in Queensland,” Mr Shine said.
Media Contact: Kate Lennox 3224 7481 or 0421 127 869
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine congratulated Justice Mackenzie for a distinguished and lengthy public and judicial career.
The Solicitor-General Walter Sofronoff QC addressed the court on the Attorney-General’s behalf this morning, as he was attending the Bligh Government Community Cabinet in Gladstone.
“Justice Mackenzie began his career in 1958, as a clerk in the Supreme Court Registry,” said Mr Shine.
“This was the beginning of 50 years of outstanding public service in which Justice Mackenzie held a variety of public service positions, culminating in his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
“He was admitted as a Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1963, and began a role as a legal officer in the Solicitor-General’s office,” Mr Shine said.
Mr Shine said Justice Mackenzie was Crown Prosecutor from 1966-1970, Crown Counsel at the Solicitor-General’s Office 1981-1982, Crown Solicitor of Queensland 1982-1985, Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1985 and Solicitor-General of Queensland from 1985-1989, prior to being appointed a Supreme Court Judge in 1989.
“During his period as a Supreme Court Judge, Justice Mackenzie also held the position of President of the Industrial Court of Queensland, and in more recent years, Chair of the Supreme Court Library Committee, and Acting Judge of Appeal,” said Mr Shine.
“Throughout his prominent career Justice Mackenzie has always been regarded as considered and thoughtful by colleagues.
“He is also respected as a mentor to other judges particularly in the area of criminal law, where he is admired for the scope and depth of his legal knowledge.
“Justice Mackenzie has brought great experience and wisdom to his judicial roles and the bench has been enriched by his contribution.
“I would like to congratulate Justice Mackenzie and wish him and Mrs Mary Mackenzie all the best in retirement.
“The Honourable Chief Justice de Jersey commented during the ceremony that Justice Mackenzie’s career is almost certainly one of the longest spans of public service through formal employment and judicial appointment which this State has ever known.
“It is indeed an honour to be able to pay tribute to Justice Mackenzie and the invaluable contribution that he has made to the administration of justice in Queensland,” Mr Shine said.
Media Contact: Kate Lennox 3224 7481 or 0421 127 869