The Queensland premier announced the appointment of a new chief justice yesterday, two months after the resignation of Tim Carmody.
Queensland premier Annastacia Palazczuk has announced Justice Catherine Holmes as the state’s new chief justice, following the resignation of Tim Carmody two months ago.
Justice Holmes will be Queensland’s 19th chief justice and the first female to take up the role.
“Today that fresh start begins,” said Palaszcuk.
“The Supreme Court in Queensland has faced some tough times. I have no doubt that the appointment of Justice Holmes will give the court the fresh start it needs.”
The announcement comes two months after the resignation of controversial chief justice Tim Carmody, who was in the role for under a year before he resigned.
After taking silk in 1999, Justice Holmes was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2000 and the Court of Appeal in 2006. She presided over the high profile inquiry into the 2011 floods and was a founding member of the women’s legal service, according to reports by the ABC.
“She is not only well qualified, she is a leader,” Palaszczuk said.
“Justice Holmes has the personal and professional qualities to be an excellent chief justice.”
Queensland Law Society president Michael Fitzgerald welcomed the decision.
“Queensland Law Society is an organisation driven by the rule of law, by service to our members and by understanding the power of these contributions to our broader community,” he said.
“We look forward to working with the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Holmes, in maintaining and preserving the rule of law and access to justice across the state.”
