New Chief Magistrate and District Court Judge appointed

Queensland’s judiciary continues its journey towards gender equality with two more women appointed as District Court Judges.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman, today congratulated Deputy Chief Magistrate Janelle Brassington on her appointment as Chief Magistrate and as a judge of the District Court of Queensland.

“Deputy Chief Magistrate Brassington brings extensive experience to this role with over 15 years as a magistrate having been first appointed in 2005. She has been one of two Deputy Chief Magistrates since 2019,” the Attorney-General said.

“Deputy Chief Magistrate Brassington has served the court with distinction while administering justice to the highest standards in communities across Queensland including Brisbane, Southport, Innisfail and Cairns.

“Admitted as a barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1992, Her Honour held roles with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Justice and Attorney-General prior to her appointment to the court.

“I congratulate Her Honour on this well-deserved appointment and wish her all the very best in this new role.”

Her Honour’s appointment as a Judge of the District Court and Chief Magistrate will take effect on 8 July 2022.

The Attorney-General said one of the state’s leading public prosecutors would also be joining the District Court bench.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jodie Wooldridge to Queensland’s District Court,” she said.

“Ms Wooldridge is eminently qualified for this appointment and brings to the bench two decades of legal experience working for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“Having been admitted to the Queensland Bar in 2003, Ms Wooldridge has since gone on to appear in a range of complex criminal trials and appeals, including before the Court of Appeal and High Court of Australia.

“I am confident Ms Wooldridge will be an asset to the District Court of Queensland in administering justice for all Queenslanders. I congratulate her and wish her every success in her new role.”

Ms Wooldridge’s appointment will take effect on 20 June 2022.

ENDS

Media Contact:  Clare Barnes 0497 829 747