Four new magistrates appointed to Queensland Courts

Four new magistrates have today been appointed to courts in Beenleigh, Bowen, Dalby and Southport.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said Queensland’s newest judicial officers bring a wealth of experience and service to the people of Queensland.

“I wish to extend my congratulations to Mr Mark Bamberry, Ms Patrina Clohessy, Ms Michelle Howard and Ms Kyna Morice on their well-deserved appointments to the court, and I have no doubt they will serve their community and ensure they have access to justice,” the Attorney said.

The Attorney-General said together the four new magistrates will bring a wealth of legal experience, practice and knowledge to the bench and are clearly well placed as they start their new judicial career.

“Mr Bamberry, a current acting magistrate, has been appointed to the Southport Magistrates Court following a legal career spanning more than two decades in areas of criminal law, traffic law, commercial and property law, and domestic violence matters,” she said.

“Ms Clohessy, a current deputy crown solicitor and chief counsel with Crown Law, will commence in her role at Beenleigh Magistrates Court after 25 years working in both the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Crown Law.

“Ms Howard will commence her role in Brisbane, before moving to the Bowen Magistrates Court.

“Ms Howard began her legal career in 1986 and brings to the bench extensive experience having previously served as Queensland’s Public Advocate and as a Senior Member of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

“Ms Morice, a well-respected lawyer with Legal Aid Queensland in Toowoomba, has been appointed to Dalby Magistrates Court and joins the bench with almost 20 years’ legal experience, appearing across jurisdictions on a range of often complex matters related to criminal law, domestic and family violence, and mental health.

“Ms Morice will commence her appointment in Brisbane, before moving to serve the community in the Western Downs Region.

“I warmly welcome our newest Queensland magistrates and wish them all the very best in their judicial careers.”

Mr Mark Bamberry, Ms Patrina Clohessy, Ms Michelle Howard and Ms Kyna Morice will officially commence in their new roles on 22 August 2022.

ENDS

Media contact:     Inga Williams        0439 949 719