As a former regional lawyer, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington understands and acknowledged their challenges at the 2026 Queensland Law Society President’s Dinner in Brisbane on Friday.
The Minister for Justice and Member for Nanango proposed the toast to the profession at the traditional event where the President’s Medal was presented along with QLS Honorary Memberships.
“So I thought I was regional! I mean I head up to places and it’s just been such an honour,” the Attorney-General said.
“I’ve been to over 20 of our courthouses and of course that means I visit those regions as well.
“When you’re spending time on Thursday Island going out to the courthouse in Cloncurry or Mount Isa, the differences in practice for those regional practitioners is just so distinctly different.
“I really want to thank each and every one of you for the hard work and dedication that you do in the provision of that level service across Queensland.
“I’ve had a wonderful first year as Attorney-General and it actually never ceases to amaze me.”
QLS President Peter Jolly, who presented his priorities for 2026 as the incoming leader, acknowledged the Attorney-General in his address.
“We are very fortunate to enjoy a wonderful working relationship with the State Government and I want to particularly acknowledge the Attorney-General who is always willing to meet with and listen to us,” Mr Jolly said.
“We may not always agree with each other, but we know we will always get a fair and considered hearing about matters of importance to the Society, the profession and the community.”
Mr Jolly said this year, as in every other year, there would be challenges ahead.
“The immediate and urgent challenge for the Society is leading the profession to and through the introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Terrorism Financing regime, which will apply to and impact many practices, big and small,” he said.
“This year, the Society will continue to advocate for the profession and for the community, as it has always done.”
The Attorney-General reaffirmed President Jolly’s comments about the strong working relationship with the Society and thanked Immediate Past President Genevieve Dee.
“I would also like to pass on my thanks in gratitude to Genevieve Dee, your outgoing president, who had to train a new Attorney-General, so thank you,” she said.
“We’ve had a lovely year of negotiating and like Peter, your new President said, you know, we may not always agree but it is important that we have that wonderful collegiate and working relationship.
“Peter, in the few short months that you’ve had this role, thank you so much for the same thing. It’s wonderful that we can have such a good working relationship and I know that we will continue to do so.
“Now, I have the great honour of posing a toast to the profession. And Peter Jolly, to you, as in your President’s speech, I think that we should take your words. So if you could raise a glass, to good law, good lawyers, and public good, to the profession.”
Keep an eye on Proctor for more articles and photographs from the President’s Dinner.
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