- Current Supreme Court Judge the Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley appointed to the Court of Appeal.
- Current District Court Judge Administrator His Honour Judge Paul Smith AM elevated to the Supreme Court Trial Division.
- The Court of Appeal appointment fills the vacancy created by recent retirement of Justice Jean Dalton.
- Both commence in their new appointments on 31 March 2025.
The Crisafulli Government has made its first appointment of two senior Queensland legal figures.
Sitting Supreme Court Judge the Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley has been appointed to the Court of Appeal and District Court Judge Administrator His Honour Judge Paul Smith AM has been elevated to the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Justice Bradley has held a Bar Practice Certificate since 1988, one year after he graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Laws.
His Honour was admitted as a barrister and commenced practice at the private Bar in Brisbane in 2000 and was recognised as a leader within the legal profession through his appointment as a Queens Counsel in November 2013.
Justice Bradley's appointment fills the vacancy created by the recent retirement of the Honourable Justice Jean Dalton from the Court of Appeal, and comes after a legal career spanning almost 40 years.
Outside of his work in the law, Justice Bradley is also known for his extensive philanthropic efforts, and his previous work in academia at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Judge Smith's career brings to the Supreme Court a wealth of legal and military experience, having made significant contributions across a distinguished career in both the judiciary and armed forces.
His Honour's legal career began after he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from QUT in 1984, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 1985. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Military Law from the University of Melbourne.
Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Smith worked as a solicitor and later as a barrister, specialising predominantly in criminal law.
In addition to his legal expertise, Judge Smith has a distinguished military career, having served since 1980. He was appointed Deputy Judge Advocate General – Army in 2019 and was named a Member of the Order of Australia in the Military Division (AM) in 2024, recognising his exceptional service to the Army.
Judge Smith's appointment to the Supreme Court follows a long-standing commitment to the law and his exemplary 12 years of service as a Judge of the District Court of Queensland since March 2013.
Having served as the District Court Judge Administrator since 2014, Judge Smith has overseen the effective management of Queensland's District Court system.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington commended Justice Bradley and Judge Smith on their well-deserved appointments.
"Both appointees are highly regarded members of the judiciary in Queensland and I am very pleased to make the Crisafulli Government's first appointments to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court," the Attorney-General said.
"Justice Bradley not only brings more than six years of experience as a Justice of the Supreme Court, he has also been involved in more than 100 hearings of appeals and applications for leave to appeal.
"Judge Smith's appointment to the Queensland Supreme Court Trial Division reflects his outstanding legal expertise and exceptional service in both the legal and military spheres.
"Bringing with him extensive experience as Judge Administrator of the District Court and an impressive legal background, I am sure His Honour will make a valuable contribution to the Supreme Court."
Both appointments will take effect from 31 March 2025.
