Queensland’s new Mining and Resources Coroner was welcomed to his role along with four other new Magistrates at a Brisbane ceremony on Friday afternoon.
Magistrates Deborah Mitchell, Adam Johnson, Jessica Keir and Peter Kuskie were welcomed to the bench with Magistrate Wayne Pennell, who will conduct investigations and inquests into all mining-related deaths, including those occurring on coal mines, quarries, and certain petroleum and gas sites.
“Undoubtedly it is with great pride and tremendous privilege that I sit here today before all of you as Queensland’s first Mining and Resources Coroner,” Magistrate Pennell, a former police officer, said.
The former St George and Boolba local recalled his days a young, uniformed officer then as a detective to officer in charge of the drug squad.
“And strange as it may seem, my very first arrest took place in what was then known as Little Roma Street,” he recalled.
“For those who can remember back that far it is almost directly below where we are sitting today.”
Magistrate Pennell served two decades in the Queensland Police Service before being admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court in 2003.
He congratulated his fellow Magistrates on their appointments and wished them “all the very best and greatest of success” and singled out “a loyal North Queenslander” – Magistrate Keir.
“Can I say it is particularly pleasing to see another North Queenslander and a Townsville local being appointed here today.”
And in a twist of fate, Queensland Law Society Vice President Peter Jolly shared an anecdote about Magistrate Keir’s “citizen’s arrest”.
“I have it on good authority that your commitment to justice arose at an early age when Your Honour made something of a citizen’s arrest while still in primary school,” Peter told the court to much laughter and head-nodding from Magistrate Keir.
“There was a police chase occurring in the old Flinders St Mall in Townsville. A bag thief was sprinting down Flinders Mall with the police in hot pursuit.
“Quick-thinking Magistrate Keir put her foot out tripping the thief as he passed her, allowing the police officer to then dive in for the arrest! Even if my sources are not so well informed, it’s still a good story!”
Peter also congratulated Magistrate Kuskie, the newest appointment, on his commitment to the legal profession.
“You were recently presented with a 25-year pin by the Queensland Law Society, which marks 25 years of continuous membership,” he said. “This is a significant achievement, especially considering that while private practice is intellectually rewarding, it also comes with considerable challenges.
“These challenges are amplified in the regions where access to justice and the tyranny of distance add further complexity.“
Magistrate Kuskie thanked Attorney-General Deb Frecklington, a “fellow former practitioner from Kingaroy and President of the South Burnett District Law Association” for showing confidence in his appointment and support.
“It seems a long time since I commenced my journey as a lawyer over 30 years ago after completing articles of clerkship in a regional law firm,” he said.
“Practising in a country law firm gave me the opportunity to be involved in a diverse range of legal matters. You would never know what sort of matter a client would walk through the door with and expect you as their trusted local professional practitioner to assist.
“I practised for a number of years in the busy Magistrates courts in Nanango, Kingaroy and Murgon, and was fortunate to be involved in matters which really outweighed my experience at the time. I was thrust into a level of responsibility which was both challenging and rewarding.
“I was privileged to work in those courts with experienced and effective Magistrates on virtually a daily basis. … I hope I am able to emulate their fairness, empathy and competence, and the invariable courtesy that they displayed to all who appeared in and before their court in whatever capacity.”
Magistrate Mitchell said the Attorney’s phone call had been “life-changing”.
“The last few weeks have been thoroughly enjoyable and at times a terrifying whirlwind,” she said.
“On reflecting on how I got here today to quote George Constanza (Seinfeld character) ‘it’s as if worlds are colliding’.
“My interest in the law was cemented during my year 10 work experience at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court, seeing the inner working of the court and the passion, dedication and delivery of justice by the Magistrates left me with no doubt that what I wanted was a career in law.”
Magistrate Johnson said service had driven him throughout his career, which has included key roles within the Australian Defence Force, the Administrative Review Tribunal and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
“The motto of the navy reserve that I joined was ‘For country not self’, and I have tried to live my life following that motto during the nearly 30 years of service as a legal officer in the Royal Australian Navy,” he said.
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