New judges appointed to Court of Appeal, District Court along with new Magistrate

New judges have been appointed to the Queensland Court of Appeal and District Court of Queensland, with a new magistrate also appointed.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said Supreme Court Justice Debra Mullins SC AO is appointed to the Court of Appeal.

“Justice Debra Mullins has a distinguished legal career spanning four decades and has served on the Trial Division of the Queensland Supreme Court since 2000,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“Justice Mullins was also recognised this year for her commitment to women and her service to the law with an Officer of the Order of Australia award.

“She replaces the retiring Honourable Justice Robert Gotterson AO, who we thank for his years of service to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.”

Mrs D’Ath said Michael Roderick Byrne QC is appointed to the District Court of Queensland.

“Michael Byrne is highly respected in the Queensland legal profession. He was called to the Bar in 1992 and appointed silk in 2009.

“Mr Byrne is a very experienced and respected prosecutor, fulfilling senior Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions roles across Queensland, including Southport, Rockhampton and Brisbane, and serving as Director since 2015.

“I thank Mr Byrne for his dedication to serving the justice system and the people of Queensland through his extensive career at the DPP and look forward to his continued service to the justice system as a District Court Judge.

“Mr Byrne fills the vacancy left by Judge John McGill and we thank him for his service.”

Barrister Julian Noud is also appointed as a magistrate.

“Mr Noud is an experienced practitioner at the private bar, both as defence counsel and prosecutor,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“His extensive legal experience has included service to regional areas, including a term as Solicitor Advocate of the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency.

“He has also dedicated significant time and effort to the Bar Association, providing access to justice for vulnerable Queenslanders.

“Mr Noud will initially serve as magistrate for three months in Brisbane before taking up his appointment in Warwick.”

Mrs D’Ath congratulated the appointees.

“The new appointments will bring a wealth experience to our Magistrates Court and District Court and the Court of Appeal,” she said. 

All appointments will commence early in the New Year.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008