Two new Supreme Court appointments

The Queensland Government has announced two new appointments to the Supreme Court.

Patrick McCafferty KC has been appointed Justice, while Justice Martin Burns has been appointed the Senior Judge Administrator.

Mr McCafferty completed his legal education in Queensland, graduating from QUT with First Class Honours.

He was called to the Bar in 2005 and has appeared regularly in the District Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court of Australia over the past two decades.

Justice Burns appointment as Senior Judge Administrator, responsible for the administration of the Trial Division, follows the retirement of Justice Glenn Martin at the end of this year.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington congratulated both judges on their appointments. 

“Mr McCafferty has demonstrated exceptional legal skill throughout his career and is renowned for his immense talent in a range of legal areas,” Ms Frecklington said.

“I also thank Justice Burns for taking on additional responsibilities as the Senior Judge Administrator, following more than a decade of exceptional service on the Supreme Court Bench.”

Mr McCafferty’s swearing-in ceremony will be held in the Banco Court at 9.15 am on Monday 24 November. Court 4 will be available if needed for overflow. The ceremony will be livestreamed livestreamed on YouTube.

A valedictory ceremony, to mark Justice Martin’s will be held on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, at 9.15 am in the Banco Court. This will be at the same time as the presentation of the new silks, and the traditional Christmas greetings.