Crisafulli Government announces new Judge Administrator of the District Court
- Judge Michael Burnett AM appointed Judge Administrator of the District Court of Queensland.
- His Honour succeeds Justice Paul Smith, who was elevated to the Supreme Court.
- Judge Burnett to commence his new appointment on 11 April 2025.
The Crisafulli Government has appointed His Honour Judge Michael Burnett AM to the role of Judge Administrator of the District Court of Queensland, recognising his expertise and contribution to the legal profession and judiciary.
Judge Burnett succeeds Justice Paul Smith, following his recent elevation to the Supreme Court on 31 March 2025.
Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said Judge Burnett is held in the highest esteem for his work in the law and is well suited for the role.
"Judge Burnett has served with distinction on the District Court, and previously as a barrister, mediator and Judge of the Federal Circuit Court," the Attorney-General said.
"His Honour's military background also makes him well suited to managing the lists of the Court.
"I know this appointment is warmly received by his peers."
In 2014, Judge Burnett was appointed to the District Court of Queensland and the Children's Court of Queensland and assigned as the resident judge in Rockhampton.
Prior to his judicial appointments, His Honour held roles as a member of the Queensland Building Tribunal, graded arbitrator with the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia and registered as a Building and Construction Industry Payments Act adjudicator.
Additionally, Judge Burnett was appointed Deputy Judge Advocate General - Air Force in 2010, holds the rank of Air Commodore and was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to military law.
His Honour's service to the Australian Defence Force stretches back to his first commission as a legal officer in 1985.
His dedication to public service is further demonstrated by his involvement with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Judge Burnett will commence in the office of Judge Administrator today, 11 April 2025.
