Tim Carmody appointed as Queensland’s Chief Justice

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie has welcomed the appointment of Queensland’s eighteenth Chief Justice, The Honourable Tim Carmody.

Mr Bleijie said Judge Carmody would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Supreme Court.

“Judge Carmody’s professional and life experience is both distinguished and diverse,” Mr Bleijie said.

“His Honour has the keen legal knowledge, administrative skills and integrity that are essential qualities for the role of Chief Justice.

“On behalf of the Government, I congratulate him on his appointment to this important role in Queensland’s justice system.”

Judge Tim Carmody said he was honoured and humbled to accept the appointment.

“Fair, objective and independent justice is an integral part of the time tested foundation of our democracy and I will do my utmost to perform the duties of this high office in a progressive manner, while ensuring that foundation remains rock solid,” Judge Carmody said.

“The Chief Justice’s prime responsibility is to the rule of law and maintaining community confidence in the administration of the justice within the State. He is the guardian of the defining legal and justice values of our democratic society and I will work hard every day to prove worthy of the public’s trust in me.

“Chief Justice Paul de Jersey led the Court with distinction, dignity and vision. As a proud Queenslander I accept the challenge of continuing his good work by striving to further improve the community’s confidence in our justice system.”

Outgoing Chief Justice, Paul de Jersey, who will become Queensland’s Governor next month congratulated Judge Carmody.

“I congratulate the Chief Magistrate on his appointment and wish him well,” Justice de Jersey said.

“I am sure he will do his utmost to discharge conscientiously the high duties of this important office.”

Mr Jarrod Bleijie said Judge Carmody’s distinguished career was set against a background of diverse roles in the legal and general community.

“Originally a meat packer and a police officer, His Honour was admitted to the Bar in 1982,” Mr Bleijie said.

“He was Counsel Assisting the Fitzgerald Inquiry and then the Special Prosecutor who conducted prosecutions of official corruption and other offences arising from the Inquiry’s investigations.

“He was Queensland’s Crime Commissioner from 1998 to 2002 and served as a Judge of the Family Court between 2003 and 2008 before returning to private practice.

“Judge Carmody then headed the Child Protection Commission of Inquiry – the most comprehensive review of the child protection system in Queensland’s history which resulted in ground breaking reforms.

“Thanks to Judge Carmody’s work, Queensland now has a roadmap to revitalise frontline services and make this state the safest place to raise a child, which the Government recently backed with an historic $400 million reform package in the State Budget.

“He was appointed a Judge of the District Court and Queensland’s Chief Magistrate last year.

“As well as a published legal writer on a variety of legal, anti-corruption and public administration issues, His Honour is also an adjunct Professor of Law at QUT and he was awarded the Centenary Medal for distinguished service to law and community in 2003.

“Such achievements come from humble but inspiring beginnings. The son of a meat worker who spent his formative years living in a housing commission home in Inala, Judge Carmody studied law while at the same time working as a police office.

“His Honour’s unique blend of skills and experience will give the Court the direction and drive to continue the great work of Chief Justice Paul de Jersey of meeting the challenges of a changing legal world.

“The appointment followed extensive consultation with the legal profession and I thank the Bar Association of Queensland and the Queensland Law Society for their input.”

[ENDS] 12 June 2014

Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Jaime Wells 0409 624 139