SPEECH

The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice

Exchange of Christmas Greetings between the

Judiciary and Members of the Legal Profession

Wednesday, 17 December 2014

Banco Court, Level 3, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law

415 George Street, Brisbane

May it please the Court.

2014 marks a significant year in the history of the Queensland
judicial system. Indeed, it has been a watershed year a year of
significant change and renewal.
Only once before have three new heads of jurisdiction been
appointed in the same calendar year and that was more than
forty years ago in 1971.
In reviewing the events of the past twelve months, it is timely
and fitting to acknowledge again the monumental contribution
of former Chief Justice de Jersey, the states governor, and
former Chief Judge Wolfe, who retired in October.
Their Honours devoted a total of 31 years to the leadership of
their respective courts while they served a total of 48 years on
the bench. This is a remarkable record of dedication and
achievement which, added to their professionalism, stands as a
testament to their commitment to an independent and
contemporary judiciary.

Their personal qualities and professional achievements have

been well documented; their distinguished service is a matter of
public record; the example they set was exemplary.
I again take this opportunity to thank the Chief Justice, the Chief
Judge and Chief Magistrate for accepting the heavy yoke of
responsibility attending these high offices in the service of the
people of Queensland.
Together they have been entrusted with the task of leading our
courts into an increasingly complex and challenging future.
I remain confident that each of them will perform this important
and demanding duty in a thoroughly exemplary manner.
2014 has also been memorable for other reasons.
Most notably, Queensland Courts were heavily involved in
whole-of-government planning for the G20 Leaders Summit.
Queensland provided a wonderful backdrop for these talks and
our community grasped the opportunity to showcase our State
and solidify our place as a world city.
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I acknowledge the central role played by the Chief Magistrate

in hoping for the best and planning for the worst.
Unfortunately, despite the Chief Magistrate sitting by his
computer 24/7 waiting for the first online proceedings to
commence, they did not eventuate.
The courts high state of readiness and public awareness of
those measures almost certainly contributed to the outstanding
success of the G20 from a law and order perspective.
On behalf of the Government, I extend our deep appreciation to
all concerned for making G20 a successful event for Brisbane.
In 2014, the Government continued its work increasing access to
justice for vulnerable Queenslanders. This year, the
Government committed $30 million over three years to
community legal centres and $65 million to Legal Aid
Queensland. I was pleased to attend the White Ribbon Day
breakfast at the Queen Elizabeth II Court of Law on 24
November this year. In total, the Government has now
committed $1.24 million to the Womens Legal Service over 5
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years. Legal Aid Queensland are also trialling a domestic

violence duty lawyer service at the Southport Courthouse. The
Government will make further announcements regarding
domestic violence policy after we have received the report of the
Special Taskforce.
In 2014, the Government continued its reform agenda the
Justice portfolio has been responsible for 13 bills introduced into
the Legislative Assembly this year. Given the breadth of this
portfolio, these bills ranged from cracking down on crime to
loosening the strangle-hold of red-tape on business.
I would like to thank those members of the legal community
who have provide valuable advice and feedback which has
helped shape this legislation. While not all that advice was
accepted, all was considered.
2014 also saw the government pursue a range of legislative
measures designed to curb the activities of criminal gangs.
As a consequence the past year has seen more than 1,500 gang
members and their associates arrested on some 4,200 charges.
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The reported crime rate has dropped dramatically. For the year
ended October 2014, compared with the previous year ended
October 2013, car thefts in Queensland are down 21 per cent.
This means 2,500 cars have not been stolen. Break-ins are down
20 per cent. That means over 8,400 families and businesses that
have not been broken into. Robberies are down 24 per cent,
which is 400 less than last year. Assaults are down four per
cent, which is 700 less and on the Gold Coast, robberies are
down 43 per cent.
We acknowledge that these laws are not without their critics,
including, I hasten to add, some in this room. However, our
intervention was necessary to ensure the safety of our
community.
As the former Chief Justice observed on more than one
occasion, it is entirely possible for two intelligent, reasonable
people to hold passionately different views on the same issue.

Like most contemporary institutions, the courts face significant

challenges.
Heightened media and community scrutiny extend beyond the
Bench to counsel defending and prosecuting the accused and the
legal profession more generally.
There has also been a blurring of court reporting between
mainstream and social media.
Other challenges include the increasing complexity of forensic
science, particularly DNA evidence, the exponential growth of
information technology and expanding horizon of a connected
society with instant access to each other and the worldwide web.
Again, these challenges hold significant implications for the
administration of justice.
The changes that this brings must be embraced not resisted. If
we are to maintain a modern, responsive and respected justice
system we must be prepared to do all that we can to move with
the times. For this reason I am pleased to offer the

governments support as the courts embark on further efforts to

modernise and to accommodate new technology.
However, it is also important to view that change in perspective.
There is no suggestion of a radical departure from the time
honoured principles and well-established practices on which our
system of justice is foundered.
Further innovation will continue to be anchored in the bedrock
of our legal traditions dating back centuries.
Recent events have heralded a changing of the guard and to
some extent a new chapter in the annals of judicial leadership in
this State, but todays celebration of collegial goodwill again
underscores the fundamental stability and constancy of our
courts in delivering justice according to law.
The exchange of Christmas greetings is itself steeped in tradition
an annual reminder of the broad common ground that unites us
in pursuit of the public good, despite our occasional differences.

Indeed the right to disagree and freedom to express dissent are

hallmarks of a healthy democracy.
As the former Chief Justice observed last year, occasional robust
exchanges do not erode stability; rather, they corroborate
judicial independence and stability.
While the leadership of all three levels of jurisdiction have
changed this year, a significant number of other judicial
appointments have also been made.
Earlier this year I was pleased to recommend that appointment
of Justice Flanagan to the Trial Division of the Supreme Court,
Judge Smith as Judge Administrator of the District Court and
Judges Morzone, Burnett, Bowskill and Sheridan to the District
Court bringing to a record 39 the number of judges of that
court.
This year has also seen the appointment of a new Deputy Chief
Magistrate, Magistrate OShea, and the appointment of three
new magistrates Magistrates Mosch, Young and Simpson.

I should add that I expect to be able to announce further

appointments to the courts in the not too distant future.
I also take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Dunning QC on
his appointment as Solicitor-General.
I am pleased to add my congratulations in welcoming our nine
new silks who have announced their appearances today.
Theirs is a significant role which the courts and their peers have
chosen to recognise. As leaders of the Bar they have an
obligation to lead by example and to assist junior members of
the Bar. I am confident this is a role they will undertake with
enthusiasm and confidence.
On behalf of the government and broader community, I also
express our deep appreciation to all members of the Supreme,
District, Magistrates, Land and Industrial Courts, as well as the
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, for your
outstanding service to the State and our community.

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I also extend my personal thanks to the staff of all our courts and
tribunals. The achievements of the past twelve months are a
testament to their professionalism and dedication and for this
they deserve our thanks.
May I also applaud the Crown Law Choir for its stirring
rendition of our favourite Christmas carols which has certainly
added to the festive atmosphere this morning.
On behalf of the Queensland Government, it gives me great
pleasure to formally extend seasons greetings to the Bench, the
Courts and legal profession more broadly.
Please accept our very best wishes for a happy, safe and holy
Christmas.
May it please the Court.

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