Crisafulli Government announces three new Magistrates for Queensland
- Deborah Mitchell, Adam Johnson, and Jessica Keir appointed to the Queensland Magistrates Court.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to provide victims of crime with faster access to justice.
- Two of the newly appointed Magistrates will serve in Far North Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government has announced the appointment of three new Magistrates to fill positions in some of Queensland's busiest courthouses to deliver faster justice for victims of crime.
Deborah Mitchell, Adam Johnson, and Jessica Keir will serve as Magistrates in Southport, Ipswich, Caboolture and Cairns.
The Crisafulli Government is ensuring crime victims' cases are heard sooner by boosting the capacity of Queensland justice services - and putting the rights of victims before the rights of offenders - after the number of victims of crime skyrocketed by 193 per cent under the former Labor Government.
This strong plan for Queensland has also seen the Government appoint an additional North Queensland District Court Judge and deliver two additional courtrooms in Townsville.
Deborah Mitchell brings more than two decades of legal experience to the bench, having excelled in previous roles across the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
She has also facilitated countless equitable resolutions across a range of legal disputes as an accredited mediator.
Ms Mitchell has been a legal practitioner for the past two decades, having completed a Master of Laws from the Australian National University and degrees in Law and Commerce from Griffith University.
Her extensive career experience serving in legal roles at various government agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office, Medicare, Therapeutic Goods Administration, and other Departments will be of great value.
Adam Johnson's career brings to the Magistrates Court an extensive legal background that spans multiple jurisdictions and areas of expertise.
With qualifications in law, mediation, and professional accounting from QUT, Harvard University, and Bond University, Mr Johnson has demonstrated unwavering commitment to legal excellence.
His career has included key roles within the Australian Defence Force, the Administrative Review Tribunal, and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, alongside senior positions in private and public legal practice.
Mr Johnson brings distinguished legal experience including as Director of Litigation at the Crime and Corruption Commission, overseeing regulatory and investigative matters.
Mr Johnson has also acted as Counsel Assisting in multiple Defence inquiries, addressing systemic issues and high-profile cases relating to military personnel.
His expertise also extends to coronial proceedings, workplace health and safety investigations, family law, and criminal litigation, reinforcing his ability to hear matters with diligence and integrity.
Jessica Keir's appointment follows an extensive legal career spanning 16 years.
Ms Keir has practised in diverse areas including commercial litigation, employment law, guardianship, and insolvency.
Ms Keir's professional achievements include senior positions at Keir Steele Waldron and Legal Aid Queensland, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to upholding the rights of vulnerable individuals.
Her contributions to the legal profession have been further enriched by her work as Acting Managing Solicitor for the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House, where she managed civil law services across North Queensland.
In addition to her career in the law, Ms Keir has actively contributed to the community through her roles on the boards of local organisations, including St Patrick's College Townsville and the Townsville Major Events Advisory Panel.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington commended the new magistrates on their well-deserved appointments.
"Their expertise in handling sensitive matters and delivering fair outcomes with integrity will serve the Courts and the community well in the years ahead," the Attorney-General said.
"I am confident that Ms Mitchell, Mr Johnson, and Ms Keir will make significant contributions to the fair and efficient administration of justice in Queensland.
"Their diverse career experiences will be invaluable to the judiciary in upholding justice and meeting the expectations of the communities they serve.
"I am delighted to welcome these distinguished individuals to the Magistrates Court bench and extend my congratulations to each of them,"
Ms Mitchell and Mr Johnson will commence on 12 May 2025, with Ms Keir commencing on 30 May 2025.
