- Two new Deputy Directors of Public Prosecutions, David Nardone and Christopher Cook, have been appointed for five-year terms to strengthen Queensland's prosecution services.
- The appointments form part of a $10.6 million investment in the Crisafulli Government's 2026-27 Budget to boost the capacity and leadership of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
- Criminal prosecution services will also be boosted across the State with 25 additional Crown Prosecutors and solicitors across Queensland.
- The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer and delivering faster access to justice, after a decade of decline Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer and delivering faster access to justice, with the appointment of two new Deputy Directors of Public Prosecutions to strengthen criminal prosecution services across the State.
The appointments of David Nardone and Christopher Cook will increase the capacity of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and support the delivery of justice across both metropolitan and regional Queensland.
Mr Nardone will be based in Cairns, while Mr Cook will be based in Ipswich, ensuring senior prosecutorial leadership is available closer to the communities the ODPP serves.
David Nardone has more than 30 years' experience with the ODPP, including as Principal Crown Prosecutor and Consultant Crown Prosecutor. He has extensive experience prosecuting complex criminal matters and has also contributed to significant law reform and victim-focused justice initiatives in Queensland.
Christopher Cook has nearly 20 years' experience with the ODPP, progressing from legal support roles to become a highly experienced Crown Prosecutor and now Consultant Crown Prosecutor. He has prosecuted serious criminal matters across Queensland and brings extensive expertise in criminal law.
The two positions were part of a $10.6 million investment in the Crisafulli Government's 2026-27 State Budget, which also funds 25 additional Crown Prosecutors and solicitors across Queensland and the expansion of a digital case management system at the ODPP.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Crisafulli Government's investment in prosecution services was about putting victims first and ensuring Queenslanders were not left waiting for justice because of years of Labor underinvestment.
"These appointments are another important step in delivering faster access to justice for victims and ensuring Queensland's prosecution services have the leadership and resources they need," the Attorney-General said.
"By placing senior prosecutorial expertise in both Cairns and Ipswich, we're strengthening the capacity of the ODPP, supporting regional communities across the State, and helping restore capacity after years of Labor failures to properly invest in court services and justice infrastructure.
"Mr Nardone and Mr Cook are highly respected legal practitioners who will make a valuable contribution to Queensland's justice system."
Mr Nardone and Mr Cook have each been appointed for five-year terms.
