Attorney-General announces three new Magistrate appointments

Published Friday, 21 April, 2017 at 08:00 AM

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Training and Skills
The Honourable Yvette D'Ath

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has today announced the appointment of three new Magistrates for Queensland.

Andrew Sinclair and Mark Howden have been appointed to the bench of Southport Magistrates Court, and Toowoomba based barrister Robbie Davies has been appointed to the bench of the Dalby Magistrates Court.

“These three new appointments bring a wealth of experience to the Magistrates Court,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Mr Howden is the managing partner of Howden Saggers Lawyers, which is a prominent legal practice with offices in Southport and Brisbane. He is a hard-working lawyer with extensive experience in a variety of areas of law, having also worked as the solicitor in charge of the Woodridge regional office for Legal Aid Queensland.

Mr Sinclair is a well-respected lawyer with years of experience in legal practice and has most recently been working as a barrister, specialising in various areas including Planning and Environment law, Body Corporate disputes and Commercial law. He has also worked as counsel assisting in misconduct hearings at the Crime and Misconduct Commission, and as a Crown Prosecutor and a lecturer.

“Mr Sinclair and Mr Howden are highly-respected lawyers and will be great assets to the Southport Magistrates Court,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Mr Davies has 30 years of experience practising criminal law and has been working as a barrister in Toowoomba for many years. He also has worked as a Senior Crown Prosecutor and has experience in all levels of criminal courts.

“Mr Davies is a hard-working barrister with extensive experience and I know he will be a welcome appointment to Dalby Magistrates Court,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“I congratulate each of them on their appointments and wish them all the best for their future on the bench.”

The appointments will take effect from Wednesday, April 26.

ENDS

Media contact: Pam Frost 0437 696 809