The awarding of a Public Service Medal to Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ) veteran Peter Delibaltas on Monday came as no surprise to his colleagues.
“Everyone who works with Peter knows he has a strong commitment to access to justice and a deep love for our organisation,” LAQ posted on social media after Peter received the honour for his service in improving legal access for vulnerable and disadvantaged Queenslanders.
“After 35 years, he continues to embody LAQ’s values and works to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged Queenslanders,” the agency said.
Peter began his Legal Aid career as a law clerk in 1990 with the then Public Defender’s Office, before serving as a criminal lawyer, head of the criminal law services division, and now senior executive director overseeing legal practices.
“Peter’s career has seen him work on some of the most challenging and difficult criminal law cases in Queensland, while also contributing to major justice system reforms,” LAQ said.
“He has successfully advocated for organisational and justice system changes, as well as additional funding, which has benefitted LAQ’s clients, staff and the hundreds of private lawyers around the state who undertake legal aid work.”
Peter has overseen or supported many of LAQ’s key initiatives including the delivery of legal services for clients impacted by natural disasters, and for clients appearing before the Royal Commissions into Disability, and Defence and Veterans Suicide.
“An authentic and motivational leader, Peter regularly visits LAQ’s 13 regional offices to meet with staff and our stakeholders,” LAQ said.
Peter was one of four Queensland lawyers named among the 830 Australians in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List.
Griffith University Professor Kate Galloway was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for significant service to the law, education and the community.
The university said Kate had made a remarkable impact in the roles of Director, Career Readiness, Arts Education and Law; Education Lead, Climate Action Beacon; Deputy Chair, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Arts Education and Law; and Committee Member, Equity Committee.
Gold Coast Principal William Ross received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to veterans and their families, and the community.
The Partner at Collas Moro Ross is a Queensland Law Society Personal Injury Law Accredited Specialist and is an honorary solicitor for a range of Gold Coast community groups, including Legacy, Surfers Paradise RSL, Burleigh Bears Leagues Club and Riding for the Disabled.
Brisbane-based Nigel Miller, the state’s Director of Child Protection Litigation, also received a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in that field.
Nigel has spent more than 22 years in the public service, delivering world-class frontline services in the area of community safety. He was a founding board member of the Child Protection Practitioners Association of Queensland.
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