Shine announces new Rockhamtpon Magistrate

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine today announced the appointment of John McGrath as the new magistrate at the Rockhampton Magistrates Court.

Mr Shine said Magistrate McGrath is currently working in the Rockhampton Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and brings a wealth of local knowledge to his new role.

“For more than 18 years Magistrate McGrath has served as a barrister in the Rockhampton region, he was admitted as a barrister to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1990,” Mr Shine said.

“He specialises in criminal trials and has also has experience in matters of civil law particularly personal injury and contract,” he said.

Mr Shine said Magistrate McGrath had also appeared on all District Court appeals in the Central Queensland region since 1996.

“Magistrate McGrath’s local knowledge will be an asset to the Rockhampton Magistrates Court, having served in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Proserpine, Townsville, Cairns, Thursday Island, Palm Island and a number of other regional areas in Queensland,” said Mr Shine.

“His role as Magistrate of the Rockhampton Magistrates Court will become effective from tomorrow.

“I congratulate Magistrate McGrath on his appointment to this important and critical role in the Queensland justice system and I’m confident he will serve the people of Rockhampton and the justice system well,” Mr Shine said.

The Rockhampton Magistrates Court heard 13,720 criminal and 720 civil matters in the last year.


Media Contact Lisa Taylor 3239 6400 or 0488 741 689.