- Christopher Kahler appointed the newest Townsville District Court Judge.
- Appointment fulfills a key Crisafulli Government election commitment and delivers faster justice for Townsville victims of crime.
- Mr Kahler to commence his new appointment on 5 May 2025.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered on a major election commitment to deliver faster justice for Queensland victims by boosting the capacity for District Court matters in Townsville.
Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington announced Christopher Kahler has been appointed to the Townsville District Court to strengthen the region's access to justice.
Admitted as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of Queensland and Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory in 2005, and to the High Court of Australia the following year, Mr Kahler brings a wealth of local knowledge and legal experience to the role.
Mr Kahler has built his esteemed reputation as a civil and criminal lawyer in North Queensland over 11 years, before establishing his own North Queensland legal practice in 2016.
He has been a well-respected contributor to the legal profession for 20 years and is currently an elected Councillor of the Queensland Law Society.
The announcement delivers on the Crisafulli Government's election commitment to streamline and boost the capacity of Queensland's justice services, which will give victims the justice they deserve faster.
The Attorney-General said Mr Kahler's longstanding service to justice in regional Queensland made him a strong addition to Queensland's judiciary.
"Mr Kahler will bring invaluable and diverse legal expertise and experience to the Townsville District Court, and I know this appointment is very warmly welcomed by the existing judges who he will be working closely with," the Attorney-General said.
"The Crisafulli Government's election commitment to appoint a third District Court Judge for the Townsville Courthouse was part of our $21.5 million Faster Justice Plan.
"This announcement makes good on our promise to Townsville and puts victims first.
"We are already delivering on our plan to restore safety where you live and put victims front and centre of the justice system, victims of Labor's Youth Crime Crisis must not have justice delayed because the former Government hadn't resourced our courts.
"Mr Kahler is a recognised leader in the legal profession with deep roots in the North Queensland community, I congratulate and wish him well in his new role."
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said Mr Kahler's appointment reflects the Crisafulli Government's dedication to speeding up access to justice in Townsville.
"This appointment delivers on a key election commitment for Townsville locals and will help victims of crime have their matters dealt with sooner," Mr Baillie said.
Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole acknowledged Mr Kahler's longstanding contributions to North Queensland.
"With his extensive regional legal experience Mr Kahler knows firsthand the issues that have plagued our city in recent years," Ms Poole said.
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said it marked the first time the Townsville District Court had three permanently based District Court judges.
"This marks a significant milestone in our courthouse's 50-year history, and I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering faster access to justice," Ms Marr said.
Devoted to advancing regional Queensland, Mr Kahler has volunteered and served on various community boards including the Innisfail District Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army and Red Cross throughout Innisfail and Far North Queensland for more than 10 years.
Mr Kahler will commence his new role on 5 May 2025.
