It would be an “understatement to say that 2024 has been another busy year in the courts”, Chief Justice Bowskill told a packed Banco Court yesterday at the Exchange of Christmas Greetings and Presentation of King’s Counsel commissions.
While reflecting on the year, Justice Bowskill said she felt a “well-placed feeling of pride” in her judicial colleagues for their “unstinting commitment to the hard work and collegiate effort that the administration of justice requires”.
Chief Justice Bowskill addressed the court.
Justice Bowskill said the composition of the Supreme Court had changed with Justice Philip Morrison and Justice Peter Applegarth AM KC being farewelled; Justice Brown being appointed to the Court of Appeal; and Justice Michael Copley and Justice Rebecca Treston being welcomed to the Trial Division.
Her Honour also mentioned the work of the registry and administrative staff, in particular singling out Principal Registrar Julie Steel PSM, “without whom the wheels of justice would not turn so smoothly”. It was her final Christmas greetings ceremony as she is retiring after 14 years.
The Chief Justice also spoke about the effectiveness of new court processes and progress including the digitisation of the Supreme and District Court procedures with the recent introduction of electronic filing and administration of probate applications, and the work to broaden its application.
“I’m optimistic that by the time of this address next year the profession will be able to electronically file documents in the courts,” she said.
“Indeed the goal is mid 2025. This remains one of the most significant priorities for the judiciary, for the profession and we look forward to the ongoing support of the executive to achieve this.
“In all the projects and initiatives affecting courts, we are grateful for the input provided by the legal profession.”
Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said it was “indeed an honour” to attend her first exchange of greetings in her new role and congratulated the newly admitted King’s Counsel and barristers.
“Now as Attorney-General, I appreciate I may not have been on everybody’s Christmas wish list, but as we look to 2025 let us carry forward the lessons we have learnt this year,” she said.
“Our legal profession must continue to champion accessibility, equity and fairness in the justice system, and we must ensure that no Queenslander, especially victims of crime, and those who are the most vulnerable in our society feel left behind.”
The Crown Law Choir set the scene.
Practitioners and guests were entertained before the sitting by the Crown Law Choir, which was fundraising for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Keep an eye on Proctor for a feature on the retiring Principal Registrar.
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