Kristy Bell, a long-serving member of the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee, is one of three appointments to the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council (QSAC).
The State Government today appointed three new QSAC members, bringing extensive experience and knowledge in criminal law to the council.
Kristy is the director of Bell Criminal Lawyers and brings more than a decade of experience in criminal law, both in prosecution and defence.
She recently represented the Queensland Law Society as chair of the Criminal Law Committee at two public hearings.
In a social media post, Kristy said: “I am both excited and humbled to have been appointed to the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council. I am very much looking forward to contributing to the important work of the council over the next three years.”
The other new members are:
Nathan Crane – a Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions heavily involved in regional chambers such as Townsville and Cairns. He has worked for the Crown for more than a decade where his work has included many notable prosecutions.
Douglas Wilson – called to the Bar in 2007, he has appeared in a range of trials, sentences and appeals in Queensland’s District and Supreme Courts. Before obtaining his legal degree in 2006, he served as a police officer and was stationed in many areas across the state, including Caloundra, Mitchell and Doomadgee.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the new members would strengthen QSAC and provide valuable input on sentencing issues.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to Making Queensland Safer with tough new laws, including Adult Crime, Adult Time, and putting the rights of victims ahead of the rights of offenders,” the Attorney-General said.
“QSAC provides advice to the Government and information to the community on sentencing, and the new members will bring a wealth of legal knowledge and courtroom experience to the council as it undertakes that work.
“With their decades of collective expertise, I know they will contribute important insights and advice, as we continue to bolster our laws to ensure sentencing reflects community expectations in Queensland.
“Each of these appointees are highly regarded among their peers and I congratulate them on their new positions with the council.”
Each of the new QSAC members has been appointed for a three-year term, which has now started.
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