Media release - 1 October 2019
Queensland’s peak solicitor body has applauded the state government’s appointment of three new magistrates—including prominent solicitors Cameron McKenzie and Legal Aid Queensland’s Rosemary Gilbert.
Queensland Law Society president Bill Potts on Tuesday (Oct 1) said the appointments of well-known Brisbane solicitor Cameron McKenzie and long-time Legal Aid solicitor Rosemary Gilbert would assist in providing further access to justice for the community.
Mr Potts also praised the government for elevating long-serving Acting Magistrate Robert Walker to the permanent role at Emerald Magistrates Court, in Central Queensland, for a minimum period of two years.
Mr Potts said he was particularly delighted popular solicitor Mr McKenzie—the current Deputy Chair of QLS’s Domestic and Family Violence Law committee—had been appointed as a magistrate to his home court at Southport for the next two years, while Ms Gilbert will sit in Brisbane for a minimum of two years.
"QLS has consistently supported the need for more magistracy appointments in regional Queensland and we applaud the government for recognising that in filling roles in Central Queensland and the Gold Coast," Mr Potts said.
"I congratulate all three appointees on their achievements to date and for their appointments as magistrates for Queensland. "Our magistrates are at the coalface of the legal profession and deserve to have the resources required to serve justice for the community."
ENDS