Two new judges appointed to the District Court

Two new judges, Ms Deborah Holliday QC and Ms Amanda McDonnell, have today been appointed to the District Court.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Women and for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman congratulated the two new judges on their appointments.

“I am delighted to announce that Ms Holliday and Ms McDonnell have joined the Queensland District Court as the state’s newest judicial officers,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Both women bring extensive yet diverse legal experience, and I am confident they will fulfil their new roles with the same high level of diligence, commitment and professionalism they have demonstrated in their careers to date.”

Minister Fentiman said Ms Holliday, who holds a Bachelor of Laws with honours from Bond University, was admitted as a barrister in 1994 and appointed Queens Counsel last year.

“Ms Holliday has had a wide-ranging career working for the Commonwealth, the State and in private practice focussing on criminal, administrative and regulatory law,” Minister Fentiman said.

“She worked as a Crown Prosecutor for 15 years before joining the private bar in 2015 and two years later was appointed by Governor-in-Council as a Commissioner of the Crime and Corruption Commission.

“Ms Holliday was also a member of the Queensland Bar Association Ethics Committee and was, for five years, the co-author of Summary Offences Queensland and contributing author of Indictable Offences Queensland.

“Joining her on the bench today is Ms McDonnell who also brings with her an equally impressive legal career.

“After graduating from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Laws in 1991 and completing her practical training as an articled clerk, Ms McDonnell commenced working as a lawyer for Minter Ellison.

“She remained at this firm for the next 26 years progressing to the roles of Senior Associate, Partner and Special Counsel with much of her work focussing on environment and planning law.

“In 2018 she became a sessional member for the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal until her appointment as a District Court Judge.”

Minister Fentiman said Ms Holliday would take up her new position at Southport District Court while Ms McDonnell has been appointed to Brisbane.

“I wish Ms Holliday and Ms McDonnell the very best as they embark on their new role in administering justice for Queensland.”

ENDS

Media contact:     Inga Williams        0439 949 719