Three Magistrates appointed for busy courthouses

Three new Magistrates have been appointed today to fill positions in some of Queensland’s busiest courthouses.   

Deborah Mitchell, Adam Johnson and Jessica Keir will serve as Magistrates in Southport, Ipswich, Caboolture and Cairns. 

Magistrate Mitchell will start her appointment at the Southport court on Monday, 12 May, with Magistrate Johnson serving in Ipswich from 12 May until 7 July before relocating to Cairns.

Magistrate Keir will commence her service in Caboolture from Friday, 30 May, serving for one year before to moving to Cairns. 

Magistrate Mitchell, an accredited mediator, has been a legal practitioner for the past two decades, having completed a Master of Laws from the Australian National University and degrees in Law and Commerce from Griffith University. 

Her extensive career includes experience serving in legal roles at government agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office, Medicare and Therapeutic Goods Administration. 

She brings more than two decades of legal experience to the bench, having previous roles across the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Mental Health Review Tribunal.  

With qualifications in law, mediation, and professional accounting from QUT, Harvard University and Bond University, Magistrate Johnson has an extensive legal background including as Director of Litigation at the Crime and Corruption Commission. 

His career has included key roles within the Australian Defence Force, the Administrative Review Tribunal, and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, alongside senior positions in private and public legal practice.  

He has also acted as Counsel Assisting in multiple defence inquiries. His expertise also extends to coronial proceedings, workplace health and safety investigations, family law and criminal litigation. 

Magistrate Keir’s appointment follows an extensive legal career spanning 16 years.  She has practised in diverse areas including commercial litigation, employment law, guardianship and insolvency.  

Her professional achievements include senior positions at Keir Steele Waldron and Legal Aid Queensland, where she demonstrated leadership and dedication to upholding the rights of vulnerable individuals.  

Her contributions to the legal profession have been further enriched by her work as Acting Managing Solicitor for the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House, where she managed civil law services across North Queensland. 

In addition to her career in the law, Magistrate Keir has actively contributed to the community through her roles on the boards of local organisations including St Patrick’s College Townsville and the Townsville Major Events Advisory Panel.  

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington commended the new Magistrates on their appointments.  

“Their expertise in handling sensitive matters and delivering fair outcomes with integrity will serve the courts and the community well in the years ahead,” the Attorney-General said. 

“I am confident that Ms Mitchell, Mr Johnson, and Ms Keir will make significant contributions to the fair and efficient administration of justice in Queensland. 

“Their diverse career experiences will be invaluable to the judiciary in upholding justice and meeting the expectations of the communities they serve. 

“I am delighted to welcome these distinguished individuals to the Magistrates Court bench and extend my congratulations to each of them.”