Swearing-in of Dorney QC DCJ, Jones DCJ, Harrison DCJ and Reid DCJ

Chief Judge Wolfe, newly appointed judges, your Honours, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

Today we acknowledge, and properly celebrate the elevation of four well credentialed lawyers as judges of this busy and productive court.

The appointment of each of your Honours is founded, unequivocally, in merit.  On behalf of the Bar Association of Queensland, I offer you deserved congratulations. 

I also congratulate  you, Attorney General, for these appointments and thank you for real and effective consultation with me, on behalf of the Bar Association, in the appointment process.

Much has been said before (including by the Attorney today) of your Honours’ collective experience.

One aspect of that I ought highlight. 

The youthful appearance of each of your Honours  belies the fact that your ages span a period of only four years, with an average age close to 60.

As such, each of you comes to this court with a wealth of knowledge from years of legal practice, together with pragmatism and sensitivity derived from life experience.

The public of Queensland are now the beneficiaries of that combination of experience.

JUDGE DORNEY QC

Judge Dorney, you are one of the leaders of the senior bar.  This year you celebrate 20 years as a silk.

As may be remarked of each of your Honours, but particularly you Judge Dorney, Queensland Treasury must be pleased with the fact that they are gaining by your appointment the equivalent, in judicial capacity, of more than one judge!

Judge Dorney, your expertise in the civil sphere, but particularly in the revenue and administrative law area, will be a loss to the clients of the bar.

Your Honour also served, for 16 years no less, as chair of the commercial arm of the Bar Association, Barristers Services Pty Ltd.  That coincided with a steady increase in the financial fortunes of the Association.   Thank you for that service to your profession.

JUDGE JONES

Judge Jones, as a barrister for many years, and then as a Land Court member for the last five years, you are highly regarded for your skills in the commercial sphere, particularly in litigation pertaining to real property and Crown compensation.  Thank you for accepting appointment.

JUDGE HARRISON

Judge Harrison, your Honour has a reputation  as one of the most disarming advocates at the Bar.  Your no nonsense and objective approach to advocacy is well known. 

You are highly regarded, and indeed a lion of the provincial bar.  There are several institutions in Mackay which will mourn your loss to Cairns.

JUDGE REID

Judge Reid, your incisive legal skill and courtesy has been the subject of remark by many. 

You appeared in many difficult cases over the years, some that others thought too difficult, but with you often to win and never fearful of losing. 

Your loss to the bar is this court’s gain.

CONCLUSION

On behalf of the barristers of this State I wish your Honours, and your colleagues on this court, well in your judicial endeavours, particularly with all the challenges associated with the substantial amendments, both criminal and civil, posed by the proposed Moynihan legislation.

Richard Douglas SC

President