Three new Magistrates have been appointed to the Queensland Magistrates Court.
State Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said Deborah Mitchell, Adam Johnson, and Jessica Keir would serve as Magistrates in Southport, Ipswich, Caboolture and Cairns.
Attorney-General Frecklington said these were some of Queensland’s busiest courthouses and the appointments would deliver faster justice.
She said the appointments complemented the previous appointment of an additional North Queensland District Court Judge and two additional courtrooms in Townsville.
“Deborah Mitchell brings more than two decades of legal experience to the bench, having excelled in previous roles across the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Mental Health Review Tribunal.” Attorney-General Frecklington said.
“Ms Mitchell has been a legal practitioner for the past two decades, having completed a Master of Laws from the Australian National University and degrees in Law and Commerce from Griffith University.”
She said Mr Johnson‘s career brings to the Magistrates Court an extensive legal background that spans multiple jurisdictions and areas of expertise.
“With qualifications in law, mediation, and professional accounting from QUT, Harvard University, and Bond University, Mr Johnson has demonstrated unwavering commitment to legal excellence.
“His career has included key roles within the Australian Defence Force, the Administrative Review Tribunal, and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, alongside senior positions in private and public legal practice.”
Attorney-General Frecklington said Ms Keir practised in diverse areas including commercial litigation, employment law, guardianship, and insolvency.
“Ms Keir’s professional achievements include senior positions at Keir Steele Waldron and Legal Aid Queensland, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to upholding the rights of vulnerable individuals.
“Her contributions to the legal profession have been further enriched by her work as Acting Managing Solicitor for the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House, where she managed civil law services across North Queensland.”
She said Ms Mitchell and Mr Johnson will commence today (May 12) with Ms Keir commencing on May 30.
