Today was a “great day for kids from the bush who dare to dream big” as former Innisfail solicitor and local Chris Kahler officially became a Judge of the District Court in Townsville.
His Honour Judge Kahler, the former Managing Director of Kahler Lawyers and a Queensland Law Society Councillor, was welcomed to the bench in a ceremony this morning, bringing the total of Townsville District Court Judges to three.
“I have been honoured, indeed privileged, to have spent the last 22 years of legal practice in the regions, particularly in North and Far North Queensland,” His Honour said.
“I am proud to be here today having come from the solicitors branch of the profession. Solicitors play a vital role in the administration of justice in Queensland, serving as the first point of contact for individuals seeking legal advice and representation across a wide range of areas.
“There is something to be said about practitioners in the regions, and their forthright, no-nonsense way of approaching their work and contributions to their communities. Many of whom provide countless hours of pro bono and volunteer service.”
His Honour spoke fondly of his upbringing on the family farm and thanked his parents for their “alright job with parenting”. Before retiring, his father was a vet and a farmer, and his mother a stock and station agent and devoted mother and wife. The farm was “worked tirelessly” by both his grandparents and parents.
“Their many years in small business, and on the land, instilled upon me a strong work ethic, the virtue of never taking anything for granted, an embracement of opportunities as they arise, determination, grit and the satisfaction that is derived when giving back to the community,” he said.
“The rock-solid remark ‘that nothing is ever given to you on a platter, you have to work for it and earn it’, always resonates.”
His Honour also acknowledged the attendance of his 93-year-old grandmother Rita, a daughter of Italian migrants from Sicily, who has led by example.
“For her and her sister Fran, their childhood and life was hard and impoverished. For Rita who still does at least four hours of solid gardening a day, I hope and pray that I may share your energy and longevity, your sharp wit, your culinary brilliance with authentic Sicilian cuisine which has, and continues, to feed three generations of family.
“I am blessed for having you in my life and thank you for the lessons you have taught me over the years – to work hard, and that so long as you and your family are fit and healthy, and you have your faith, everything else will fall into place.”
And His Honour knows he has hard work ahead, noting the busy Townsville court docket after beginning his appointment on 5 May, and that the last time the court had a third judge was 50 years ago.
He thanked Attorney-General Deb Frecklington for honouring the commitment of a third judge and improving “much-needed access to justice” for those in the region from Mount Isa to Mackay, Charters Towers to Bowen.
Speakers at today’s ceremony represented the Bar
Association, State Government and QLS.
Bar Association of Queensland President Catherine Heywood-Smith KC pointed out the necessity for his appointment, saying: “It is probably the last and hardest job you’ll ever have.
“Townsville and its surrounding communities have languished without a third judicial officer in the District Court. With respect, Your Honour there is no time for pausing to reflect on your achievement. North Queensland requires you to bring to bear that renowned work ethic of yours immediately.”
Queensland Law Society President Genevieve Dee said Judge Kahler had been a stalwart of legal practice in North Queensland and an active contributor to the Townsville District Law Association.
“I have had the pleasure of working with your Honour during your time as Councillor of the Queensland Law Society. I have seen firsthand your selfless dedication, industrious efforts and commitment to your community and the profession,” Genevieve said.
“You are a proud Far North Queenslander and a champion of the regions. Such was your commitment to representing the practitioners of Far North Queensland, that you regularly committed to travelling from Innisfail to Townsville and then on to Brisbane to attend Council Meetings and QLS events. I would expect you will apply that same commitment to your new role.
“We at the Society appreciated having you available in person for our meetings and never took for granted that it came at the expense of time away from your family.
“At the forefront of your Honour’s discourse is ensuring that regional and remote lawyers are effectively represented at the highest level. Your Honour has deep family roots in Far North Queensland spanning four generations.
“Your long history practising in rural and regional areas enables you to understand and appreciate the needs of the community and the local profession. In addition, you are the consummate professional.
“Your colleagues describe you as unfailingly kind and always well prepared; intelligent, sensible and hard working. Those who appear before you will no doubt benefit from your Honour’s calm and considered approach developed through your years of practice as a solicitor.” 
Judge Kahler and Genevieve Dee thanked the
Attorney-General for the regional appointment.
The President also took the opportunity to congratulate the Attorney-General “on such a fine appointment to the bench”.
“It is a truly special occasion when we celebrate the appointment of a Judge to this court appointed from the solicitor’s branch of the profession. We know the local community will benefit from your appointment and love of the law,” Genevieve said.
“As we have heard already this morning, your Honour has volunteered and served on various community boards including the Innisfail District Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army and Red Cross throughout Innisfail and Far North Queensland for over a decade. The volunteer positions you have held are too numerous to mention. Your diligence to these organisations is to be applauded and has enriched the community.
“Your Honour has also been an active participant on the FNQLA Committee, serving as an integral link between the FNQLA and QLS. You provided the committee with important updates from QLS and recommendations on how the Society could best serve the profession. Your Honour brought a great passion for the law to every meeting and your best ‘grandad shirt’ to the committee dinners.
“You are also known to be generous with your time to assist junior and fellow practitioners. It is evident that your experience of working with Mr Vince Vandeleur has shaped your enthusiasm for mentoring junior solicitors. You value and understand the importance of continuous professional development. Members of the FNQLA have appreciated the guidance and contribution you have made and look forward to having you as a frequent guest presenter at professional development events in the future.”
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