Collegiality is a common thread for two judicial officers who were welcomed to new roles in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Justice Thomas Bradley was welcomed to the Court of Appeal and Justice Paul Smith AM to the trial division of the Supreme Court, at a ceremony in a Banco Court filled to capacity.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Helen Bowskill in her opening address said: “Collegiality in the sense of supporting one another, including to share the workload when that is required, is essential to the efficient functioning of the court and the wellbeing of its judges.
“Both Justice Bradley and Justice Smith have consistently demonstrated, throughout their respective judicial careers, their commitment to the administration of justice in this regard.
“Not least, by volunteering to help out in our busy applications list this week, including today on the part of Justice Smith who will be getting straight into it after morning tea.”
Justice Bradley replaces recently retired Justice Jean Dalton, while Justice Smith’s fills the vacancy left on the trial division by Justice Bradley’s appointment.
Justice Bradley was sworn in as judge of the Supreme Court in 2018, after 18 years at the bar, including five as Queen’s Counsel, and about a decade as a solicitor in commercial litigation.
“His skill and expertise in that area of practice have been of significant benefit to the work of the trial division of the court,” Chief Justice Bowskill said.
She said he had been an active contributor to the work of the Supreme Court Library, including as chair of its legal heritage sub-committee, and as Queensland honorary correspondent of the Selden Society
“The breadth of His Honour’s experience will continue to serve this court extremely well as he embarks of a full-time role as a judge of appeal.”
Justice Smith was a solicitor and barrister for about 23 years, practising predominantly in criminal law, before serving on the District Court for 12 years.
He has been a member of the Australian Army Legal Corps since 1993, and was appointed Deputy Judge Advocate General Army in 2019. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the Military Division last year.
Queensland Law Society President Genevieve Dee said the two men epitomised what it was to be “true professionals”.
“You have each sought to use your legal expertise and skill to enrich and serve the Queensland community. You have tirelessly dedicated your professional lives to the service of others and for that, the solicitors’ branch of our profession, thanks you,” Genevieve said.
She said kindness and compassion had been the cornerstones of Justice Bradley’s legal career.
She also pointed to his patronage of the arts, including roles with the Brisbane Festival, The Brisbane Writers’ Festival, the RNA, Access Arts, and the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art Foundation Committee.
“I am sure that your mantra, ‘there is reason to be confident that careful consideration and cool logic will likely produce a just result’ is a sentiment that will continue to serve you well in your new role,” she said.
Genevieve said the theme of “service” was clear from Justice Smith’s biography.
She said he had become well known for his “killer efficiency and military precision”.
“Another leader in criminal law described you as a true gentleman … a scrupulously fair judge who presides over your courtroom with intellectual curiosity, compassion, and a love of justice,” she said.
“She also remarked that your famously mellifluous baritone did not go unnoticed by the more acoustically minded members of the profession.”
Genevieve said His Honour had been publicly recognised for addressing delays resulting from long criminal and civil lists in Rockhampton District Court.
“With the efficiencies adopted during your time in that court, then the important role of Judge Administrator of the District Court and now Your Honour’s elevation to this bench, it is clear the justice system in Queensland has and will continue to benefit from Your Honour’s acumen and skill.”
The two judges began their roles last week.
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