Gold Coast practitioners gathered in the Southport court precinct on Friday to reflect on another busy year for their region.
The annual Exchange of Christmas Greetings hosted by the Southport District Court included Judges Jodie Wooldridge KC, Katarina Prskalo KC and Deborah Holliday KC, as well as local representatives from the profession.
Queensland Law Society (QLS) Councillor and Gold Coast partner Mia Behlau thanked the more than 300 volunteer lawyers across 30 QLS policy committees who had helped the society engage in advocacy on law reform and legal policy.
Mia said those volunteers had dedicated countless hours to responding to consultation papers an analysing bills before the House, as well as engaging with the courts.
“I thank our volunteers for their commitment to improving the law and protecting the communities they serve,” she said.
QLS Councillor Mia Behlau
Mia also thanked the Gold Coast District Law Association (GCDLA) and the Gold Coast Bar Association for the support and collegiality offered to QLS members throughout the year.
“Our heartfelt thanks and best wishes also go to the Chief Justice (Helen Bowskill), who has been a great supporter of the Society and generous with her time this year; the heads of jurisdiction who have always been welcoming and constructive; and all the judicial officers who toil away at the coalface of justice every day, and in addition this work, play a role on various committees within the court as well as engaging with the profession (by) presenting at conferences and at other forums,” she said.
“It is a hard gig dedicating your life to public service when sometimes you are misunderstood and criticised and unable to defend yourself.
“Your roles, however, are crucial to a vibrant democracy and you retain the absolute support of the Queensland Law Society.”
Associates, registry staff, security and all the court support staff were also praised for their continued service to the proper administration of justice.
“Without the quiet work of registry and court staff behind the scenes, we could not turn up to court to serve our clients and our communities. You make us look good,” Mia said.
GCDLA President Cliff Kroesen encouraged colleagues to voluntarily contribute to the association, the Gold Coast Bar Association and QLS committees to benefit the justice system in Queensland as a whole.
“If the profession and society is to progress in the most efficient manner, it’s also incumbent on legal practitioners, both solicitors and members of the bar, to assist the inner structure of justice through the separation of powers by communicating current issues through e appropriate associations and committees to the parliament and attorney general,” Cliff said.
Judge Holliday concluded the greetings by praising the region’s team mentality which helped it to again comfortably exceed 100 per cent clearance rates in both criminal and civil matters for another year.
The annual Exchange of Christmas Greetings was also held at Townsville Supreme and District Courts on Friday.
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