Attorney-General Pays Tribute to Retiring Justice

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has paid tribute to retiring President of the Court of Appeal Justice Margaret McMurdo at a valedictory ceremony in Brisbane this morning.

Mrs D’Ath said that Justice McMurdo’s esteemed career was characterised by the pursuit of social justice and the service of others.

“It is all but impossible to adequately capture Justice McMurdo’s contribution to the fabric of the Queensland legal community,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“She has lived a life of service and the people of Queensland have been the fortunate beneficiaries.”

Justice McMurdo has been a judge in Queensland for more than 25 years, since becoming simultaneously the first woman and the youngest judge ever commissioned in Queensland’s District Court in January 1991.

She became the first woman to preside over an appellate court in Australia when she was appointed President of the Court of Appeal in 1998. 

Justice McMurdo is a Companion of the Order of Australia and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003. 

“Justice McMurdo has brought dignity, leadership and intellectual rigour to this vital role and rightly has the respect of the legal profession and the judiciary,” Mrs D’Ath said. 

“She has also been a powerful advocate for women in the legal profession.” 

“Her example will continue to inspire others, and her influence will continue through the next generation of jurists – male and female – who serve on our Courts. 

“Justice McMurdo will be remembered as one of the greats of our justice system,” Mrs D’Ath said. 

Justice McMurdo’s replacement will be announced in the near future. 

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