Former Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Judge Dearne Firth marked a new chapter in her judicial career after being sworn in as a District Court Judge this week.
Judges Firth and Cranny were sworn in at a joint ceremony in the Banco Court where they handed their commissions to Chief Judge Devereaux before taking their oaths and affirmation of allegiance.
Both were appointed last year with Judge Firth being appointed to FCFCOA in 2021 after more than a decade at the Queensland Bar.
“Today is the end of one chapter of my judicial life and the beginning of another,” Her Honour said.
“My move from the family law jurisdiction to the District Court and to QCAT is one I approach with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
“While the subject matter will change, the task remains constant to apply the law fairly, independently, and conscientiously, with an appreciation of the real and lasting impact judicial decisions have on the lives of others.”
Judge Firth will also assume responsibilities as Deputy President of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) replacing Judge Geraldine Dann.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington welcomed the two new judges, and their appointments increase the number in the District Court by one to 45.
“Judge Firth, this ceremony is certainly not Your Honour’s first rodeo given you have previously been welcomed to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia,” the Attorney-General said.
“It is a great privilege for me to now welcome you on your elevation to the District Court, to express my utmost respect for your honour and share the satisfaction that comes from seeing someone of your calibre joining Queensland’s judicial ranks.
“In 2021, Your Honour was appointed a judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, joining a very select group of judicial officers to be appointed before the age of 40.
“With great sensitivity and professionalism, Your Honour drew upon incredible depth of knowledge and experience in family law, presiding over cases involving divorce, child custody, financial disputes, and enforcement of court orders.
“This experience will stand you in good stead as you continue to blaze a trail in this latest chapter of your judicial career.”
Queensland Law Society President Peter Jolly said Her Honour was held in the highest esteem for her distinguished and wide-ranging expertise across family law, child protection, domestic violence, regulatory prosecutions, and criminal law.
“In your time at the Federal Circuit and Family Court, you were renowned for your work as a jurist of exceptional distinction,” Mr Jolly said.
“As has been the hallmark of Your Honour’s entire professional life, we continue to regard all who appear before you as equal in the eyes of the law.
“As one colleague observed, your approach has always been marked by unwavering consistency and integrity. Every person receives your utmost diligence and respect, whether they are a legally aided client or a party in a complex financial dispute.
“In addition, Your Honour displayed a remarkable bedside manner with clients.”
Mr Jolly said throughout Her Honour’s distinguished career, she had been an unfailingly encouraging presence.
“Loyal, steadfastly supportive, and deeply valued as both colleague and friend,” he said. “Your enduring commitment to fostering inclusivity within the legal profession, and your unwavering dedication to advancing the participation and leadership of women in law, have left an indelible and profoundly positive mark on all who have had the privilege of working alongside you.
“Your Honour is likewise held in the highest regard with her generosity in mentoring early career practitioners, consistently offering your time and counsel with exemplary selflessness, and providing steady reassurance and guidance to those under your tutelage.
“Your Honour’s professionalism is exemplary, matched only by the profound devotion you extend to your family.”
Judge Firth said her time in family law had formative in every sense.
“It is work that is complex, emotionally demanding, and often undertaken in circumstances of acute vulnerability,” she said.
“It requires patience, careful listening, and a constant awareness that behind every matter are people, often children, whose futures are directly affected by the outcome.
“I’ve been privileged to work alongside judges of exceptional skill, integrity, and kindness.
“I have made lasting friendships on the Federal Circuit and Family Court, and I will miss it greatly.
“I will also miss beautiful court dog, Leo, who has brought much joy to my family during the past six months we’ve had the privilege of caring for him.
“I will continue to follow with interest the remarkable work he does within the court.”
Both new District Judges have a soft spot for dogs with Judge Cranny taking ownership of a lab puppy Winnie. The Attorney-General noted the appointment would impact the guardianship of Leo.
“Whilst Judge Cranny has gained a Labrador, I understand Your Honour loses one,” the Attorney-General said.
“I’m told Your Honour leaves behind Leo at the Harry Gibbs Law Court, the resident dedicated court dog who has lived with you and provides emotional support, comfort, and a calming presence to children and vulnerable litigants during very stressful court proceedings.
“I understand Your Honour is sad to leave him behind, but Leo’s loss is certainly the court’s gain.”
And the District Court’s netball team seems to have gained a new team member.
“And I haven’t really discussed the new judges’ hobbies very much, but I think we have at least a second experience netball player on the call,” the Chief Judge said.
“As happens regularly, joining the court today are two people who have arrived by quite different journeys.
“Judge Firth, who gained a Bachelor of Laws of Honours and a Bachelor of Criminology in Criminal Justice at Griffith University in 2007, started out while still a student at the Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions in Brisbane.
“Judge Firth was appointed to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Division Two in November 2021. She has therefore already more than four years of judicial experience.
“The judges of the court welcome our new colleagues and their spouses to the court.
“We look forward to their company and the benefit of the judges’ learnings, energy and diverse experience and their contribution to the work of the court in the service of the Queensland community.”
Both Judges had crossed paths in their former professional roles.
“When first commencing at the private bar, Gilshenan and Luton were one of the firms that entrusted me with groups,” Her Honour said. “It is a pleasing symmetry that those professional interactions now finally seated together on the bench.”
As a former family lawyer, it seemed fitting Her Honour thanked those closest to her for their support. The swearing-in ceremony was also a family milestone with Judge Firth’s son attending for the first time.
“Today marks the first day you have had the opportunity to see me in a courtroom, and that makes this occasion particularly meaningful,” Her Honour said.
“I am immensely proud to be your mum, and I pray each and every day to make you proud of me.
“Whatever professional milestones may come, being your mum will always be my most important role.”
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