Queensland’s First Indigenous Judge Appointed

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath today announced the appointment of barrister Nathan Jarro as a District Court Judge in Brisbane.

Nathan Jarro will be the state’s first Indigenous judge.

“This is an important appointment for Queensland justice” Mrs D’Ath said.

“Nathan Jarro brings significant litigation experience to the role as a barrister.  He initially practised in family and criminal law but has later focused on insurance, administrative, commercial and property law.”

He has held the role of Deputy Public Interest Monitor since 2011.  

“He’s also adept at alternative dispute resolution techniques as a long-standing tribunal member for the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Mental Health Review Tribunal,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“And he has a strong history of involvement in his community, as a current Board Director for the Queensland Theatre company, chair of the QUT Indigenous Education and Employment Consultative Committee, and former Board Director of the National Indigenous Television LTD (NITV).”

Mr Jarro received his Bachelor of Laws from QUT in 1999 and, after working as a solicitor in private practice, came to the Bar in 2004. 

He has been one of Queensland’s most senior practising Indigenous lawyers, identifying as Ghangulu on his father’s side, with connections to Bidjara on his mother’s side.

He takes up his new position on Monday March 26.

Media contact: Kirsten MacGregor 0417 675 917