Attorney-General names new magistrates for regional Queensland

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath today announced two new magistrates for regional Queensland.

Brisbane barrister Tracy Mossop will be posted to the Ipswich region for one year before transferring to Dalby.

Townsville solicitor Terence Browne will spend a year at Cairns Magistrates Court before being appointed to Townsville for two years.

“These appointments represent the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to delivering justice for Queenslanders, no matter where they live,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“These are well-deserved appointments for well-respected lawyers and reflect the high calibre of legal professionals across Queensland.

“They both possess the legal skills, experience and temperament to serve as judicial officers.

“Ms Mossop and Mr Browne have shown significant dedication to the legal profession, their communities and the lawyers of tomorrow through their work mentoring and educating others,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Ms Mossop has spent the past 27 years working in social and criminal justice areas after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws from QUT in 1990. Before being called to the bar in 2004, Ms Mossop worked at Legal Aid Queensland, where she received the Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement, and also spent time working for private firms in Brisbane and Logan. Ms Mossop has shown her commitment to the community through her work as a Community Legal Service Volunteer, Criminal Law Defence speaker for Protect All Children Today (PACT) and Volunteer Moot Magistrate for Bond University.

Mr Browne has spent the past 22 years as a criminal lawyer in Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and Mount Isa, after graduating from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Laws in 1995. He has also spent more than 20 years teaching at James Cook University, with a particular expertise in criminal law. Mr Browne has participated in a number of Queensland Law Society committees and also served on the board of Legal Aid Queensland for three years. He also has a passion for Therapeutic Jurisprudence and as such has a particular interest in specialist courts, also appearing in Murri Court. Mr Browne is part of Rotary International, a board member of Townsville’s Triple T Radio and a volunteer at Townsville Community Legal Service.

“I congratulate Ms Mossop and Mr Browne on their appointments and wish them all the best,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Ms Mossop and Mr Browne will begin their new positions on September 3.

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