Deputy State Coroner, Southern Eastern Coroner, Gladstone Magistrate appointed

Coroner Stephanie Gallagher has been appointed the Deputy State Coroner, Health law expert Carol Lee has been named the new Southern Eastern Coroner, while long-time law firm principal and acting Magistrate John Milburn has been appointed as Magistrate in Gladstone.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women, and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman, announced the three appointments today.

“Ms Gallagher’s extensive medico-legal experience, and her time as a coroner since appointment last year make her suitably qualified to replace Magistrate Bentley in this role,” the Attorney said.

“A former barrister and solicitor, she brings over 30 years of legal experience in the areas of medical and health-related litigation, civil matters, health regulation, mediation, guardianship matters, commercial law and coronial cases.

“Ms Lee has extensive experience representing parties at coronial investigations and inquests and is eminently qualified to take the next step as a coroner.

“Having obtained qualifications as a registered nurse, Ms Lee has extensive clinical experience in the Queensland public hospital system.

"After completing her Bachelor of Laws degree, Ms Lee held a number of senior positions including special counsel and partner in a number of leading law firms, where she specialised in the field of health law. Ms Lee possesses a comprehensive skill-set for the coronial environment and the general courtroom.”

Ms Lee has also served as a legal member of the Queensland Mental Health Review Tribunal, the Chiropractors and Osteopaths Board of Queensland, the West Moreton Human Research and Ethics Committee, General Practice Training Queensland and Acting Ordinary Member of the Queensland Civil and Adminstrative Tribunal.  

Ms Lee will be based at Southport, with her role as the South-Eastern Coroner being responsible for investigating deaths in the Gold Coast, Beenleigh and Logan regions.

Similarly, Mr Milburn is well prepared for his time on the bench.

“Mr Milburn was a principal of law firms McCarthy Durie Milburn, Milburn Guttridge, and Milburn’s Law for a 32-year period before practising as a barrister from 2016 to 2020,” she said.

“He also spent the last 11 years as a sessional member of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the past decade as a unit coordinator and lecturer for the Central Queensland University.

“In addition, Mr Milburn has been an acting magistrate for the past two years.”

Ms Gallagher, Ms Lee and Mr Milburn will begin their new roles on 23 May 2022.

ENDS

Media contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719