Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Attorney-General announces President and Deputy President of QCAT

Attorney-General Cameron Dick has today announced the appointment of the President and Deputy President for the new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Mr Dick said Supreme Court Justice Peter Dutney QC has accepted the position of President, and District Court Judge Fleur Kingham has accepted the position of Deputy President.

“Justice Dutney and Judge Kingham have distinguished themselves as outstanding members of the Queensland judiciary,” Mr Dick said.

“Both are highly regarded by the legal profession, and are well qualified to fill these important roles at the head of the new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).”

Mr Dick said Justice Dutney and Judge Kingham will lead the transition to QCAT, with the new tribunal to commence operation on December 1 this year.

“The new tribunal will make it easier for Queenslanders with civil and administrative matters to access the justice system, as well as the appropriate support and information,” Mr Dick said.

“QCAT will simplify access to justice in our state, by amalgamating the jurisdictions of 23 bodies, into a single one-stop-shop.

“This change represents the most significant structural reform to Queensland’s justice system since the re-establishment of the District Court in 1959.

“I’m pleased Justice Dutney and Judge Kingham will be providing leadership for the tribunal, during this significant period of reform.”

Mr Dick said Justice Dutney was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2000, after more than 20 years working as a barrister and solicitor in Queensland.

His legal career started in 1975, as an article clerk at the Brisbane law firm Morris Fletcher and Cross law firm. He went on to complete his Law degree at the University of Queensland in 1978, was admitted to the Bar in 1979, and in 1990, was appointed Queen’s Council.

“Justice Dutney has continued to demonstrate his commitment to the administration of justice in Queensland during his nine years on the bench, both as Central Court Judge in Rockhampton for eight years, and as an eminent commercial judge in Brisbane,” Mr Dick said.

“His deep understanding of the Queensland justice system, and the respect in which he is held across the profession as a judicial officer and advocate, makes him well qualified for the role of President of QCAT.”

Mr Dick said Judge Kingham was appointed to the District Court in 2006, and has sat on the bench of the Children’s Court of Queensland and the Planning and Environment Court.

Judge Kingham was admitted to the Bar in 1984, having completed her legal studies at the University of Queensland, with honours, in 1981. She subsequently completed a Master of International Law at the University of Nottingham in 1990.

“Judge Kingham has extensive experience across the private and public sectors, as well as in academia,” Mr Dick said.

“Before she was appointed to the District Court, Judge Kingham also served as a member of the Land Court, and as Deputy President of the Land and Resources Tribunal.

“This diverse experience across the Queensland justice system will make her a valuable asset to the new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and I congratulate her on this appointment.”

Mr Dick said the appointments will take effect from 31 July 2009.

Media Contact: 3239 3487

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