Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington has recognised the important advocacy undertaken by busy solicitors through their work on QLS policy committees.
Speaking at the recent QLS policy chairs lunch, Ms Frecklington noted that alongside their work as legal professionals, policy committee members have over the last year collectively given time and expertise “to deliver 161 policy submissions, 150 stakeholder consultations and 11 public hearings”.
“That is a lot of work – just imagine the billable hours,” she noted.
“While we may not always agree, I want to acknowledge the energy, effort and careful consideration that always goes into every engagement QLS has with the Crisafulli Government.”
Noting it was just on a year since the last state election, Ms Frecklington said that the new government had acted on issues raised by the QLS in its Call to Parties statement.
“I hope you see this reflected in action we’ve already taken to address many of the key issues raised,” she said.
“From upgraded court infrastructure to increased community legal assistance, better support for victims of crime and long-awaited legislative reforms, we have listened to the legal profession. We’ve listened to the QLS.”
Responding to a question from QLS President Genevieve Dee about how QLS can best put issues on the government’s radar, Ms Frecklington again referred to the Call to Parties.
“I think you already do that really well. The call to action statement that you deliver before an election is a great example of that,” she said.
“And it gives a great framework to understand what it is you’re chasing.
“The policies and things that we’re delivering on are what we announced in the in the election and a lot of that would have come from your Call to Parties.
“Some of it we don’t support and some of it we need more time to consider.”
In her speech, the Attorney-General restated the government’s position on several legislative changes despite strong advocacy by the Society, including Adult Crime Adult Time reforms and Daniel’s Law.
“Queenslanders demanded a fresh start and safer communities, and we are delivering this through our Making Queensland Safer Laws,” she said.
“As you know, these laws introduced ‘adult crime, adult time’, requiring courts to have primary regard to the impact of offending on victims when sentencing youth offenders.
“There are early positive results. Young offenders are facing genuine consequences for their actions.
“Importantly, crime is down.”
Addressing the recently passed Community Protection and Public Child Sex Offender Register (Daniel’s Law) Bill 2025, the Attorney General acknowledged the concerns raised about potential risks arising from the public release of information.
“However, it is important to note that the reforms include three new offences carrying significant penalties for the misuse of information, which will discourage vigilantism.”
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