New Chief Judge appointed to District Court

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has announced the appointment of Judge Brian Devereaux SC as Chief Judge of the District Court.

“Brian Devereaux is a highly experienced lawyer and judge who is eminently qualified for this role,” the Attorney-General said.

“He has served for more than 12 years as a Judge of the District Court and is well-respected by his judicial colleagues and the legal profession.

“This appointment marks the next stage in His Honour’s long record of serving the people of Queensland.”

Judge Devereaux was called the bar in 1988 and took silk in 2005.

He has worked for the Queensland Public Defender’s Office and has acted as counsel for Legal Aid Queensland, including a stint as the organisation’s Public Defender.

Judge Devereaux served as an acting judge of the District Court of Queensland in 2008, and later was appointed a permanent judge of the District Court of Queensland in 2009.

The Attorney-General congratulated Judge Devereaux on his elevation to Chief Judge and wished him well in this important role in administering justice right across the state.

The Attorney-General thanked retiring Chief Judge Kerry O’Brien for his dedication to the Queensland justice system.

“On behalf of Queenslanders, I thank Judge O’Brien for his 31 years of service on the bench and wish him and his family all the very best in his retirement.”

Judge Devereaux takes up his appointment as Chief Judge on Monday 17 August.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008