I would like to introduce this issue by expressing my gratitude to the judiciary for their enthusiastic support of Hearsay. This edition’s “10 minutes with…” features an interesting and candid interview with Justice David Boddice who was gracious with his time and his experiences. I am also thankful to Chief Justice Bowskill and Justice Bond for authorising re-prints of their informative papers on adult sentencing and on causation in this issue. I also encourage you to read the transcript of the swearing-in of Justice Crowley, the first Indigenous judge of any Supreme Court in Australia.

This issue’s Regional Bar section focuses on the Bar in Townsville and provides an insight into the vibrant practice in that bustling regional area.

The headline article “Cybersecurity and the Bar” is a timely reminder of barristers’ responsibility to protect client confidentiality.  The legal industry has become a common target for cyberattacks and ransomware, and the Bar is no exception. You should review your chambers’s IT systems at the earliest opportunity; taking reasonable preventative steps now will be easier and cheaper than the consequences of falling victim to an attack.

Finally, I should like to remind members of the Association’s Bar Care program and its offerings, including the opportunity for three annual confidential consultations with a psychologist. In our demanding profession, it is important to prioritise our mental health over other competing interests, so that we perform our duties to the court and clients in the best possible manner. If you are experiencing any kind of distress or discomfort, large or small, these services are here to support you.

I am pleased to recommend Issue 89 to all members.

I am pleased to present this 88th edition of Hearsay, the electronic magazine of the Bar Association of Queensland.

Since the last edition of Hearsay was published, there has been a figurative “changing of the guard”, both in our courts and in the editorial team.

The most significant of those changes was the retirement of the Honourable Catherine Holmes AC in March 2022, with the Honourable Justice Helen Bowskill becoming our State’s new Chief Justice. Transcripts of their Honours’ respective ceremonies may be found in this edition. The Honourable Justice Glenn Martin AM has now taken up the role of Senior Judge Administrator.

In May 2022, the Honourable Justice Sofronoff retired as President of the Court of Appeal, a role now assumed by the Honourable Justice Debra Mullins AO. With respect to President Sofronoff’s desire to leave the Bench without ceremony, I take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution to the profession and wish him well in his retirement.

The editorial team at Hearsay has undergone its own changes. Richard Douglas QC is the new Editor and he is assisted by Deputy Editors John Meredith and Megan Brooks. I thank them for taking on this onerous task. I also thank the previous editor Andrew Skoien and his sub-editors.

This edition adopts a new format. New sections are added including a “10 minutes with…” feature interview between the Editor and a personality from the Bar or the Bench. Photographs of contributors and personalities now also appear within each article.

I hope you enjoy reading our latest edition.

November 2021

In reading the words of my predecessor, I am reminded that 2020 brought with it unimaginable challenges, many of which we are continuing to work through today. However rather than dwell on the negative, I would like take this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements within the profession over the past 12 months.

I would like to congratulate members of the profession for their continued resilience in challenging and uncertain times, and for the support shown to fellow colleagues. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the Bar Council for their contributions this past year.

Acknowledgment must also go to the Association for the delivery of 40 CPD events including three in-person conferences, none of which would have been possible without the tireless efforts of the respective committees in bringing these programs together.

Bar Practice Course 75 was successfully delivered earlier this year for 37 pupils and 139 volunteer members of the Judiciary and the Bar. Course 76, with 36 participants was also very recently delivered. Each course was delivered using both virtual and in-person technology. The Association was able to achieve a seamless transition between those delivery methods thanks to the hard work of the BPC Committee, Association staff and volunteers.

We also welcomed Daniel Connop from Griffith University who was the successful applicant from the 2021 Indigenous Law Student Program. Over a three week period, Daniel attended the Federal Court of Australia, guided by the Honourable Justice Collier, the Supreme Court of Queensland, by the Honourable Justice Bowskill and a final week in barrister’s chambers with Lincoln Crowley QC.

The Association has proudly supported a range of organisations and external events who promote diversity and inclusion to current and future members of the profession:

• Queensland Intervarsity Law Competition 2020
• Asian Australian Lawyers Association’s National Cultural Diversity Summit 2020
• Lawright Inc
• Austlii Foundation Ltd
• University of Queensland scholarship
• Pride in Law
• Women Barristers Drinks
• FNQ Law Association Inc

I would also like to thank the Bar Care Committee for their work on a series of Wellbeing Conversations. These candid conversations shine a light on barristers’ health and wellbeing through the sharing of stories and strategies for staying well.

Lastly, I would like to express my thanks to the entire profession for making my first twelve months in the role of President both rewarding and productive.

Tom Sullivan QC