Swearing-In Ceremony for Justice Doyle and Justice Johnstone

Speeches delivered at the Swearing-In Ceremony for the Honourable Justice Shane Doyle as a Judge of the Supreme Court and as a Judge of Appeal and the Honourable Justice Christopher Johnstone as a Judge of the Supreme Court, on Monday 28 July 2025 in the Banco Court, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law, Brisbane.

Prominent in the speech of Justice Doyle was this:

I’ve practised, as you’ve heard, as a barrister for 38-and-a-half years and about 30 of those years as a silk. In that time, I have led hundreds of barristers. I have appeared with and against many hundreds more with a wide range of skills and of styles and interests and of expertise. The virtually common characteristic of all of them is a dedication to their client’s cause, hard work and integrity. I think few people can really appreciate the long hours and stressors which application to life at the bar demands and I will remember it.  I believe a bar plays a vital and central role in the administration of justice in our adversarial system and long may that continue. 

Prominent in the speech of Justice Johnstone was this:

Having answered the call made of me, I’m looking forward to joining and contributing to the community of Townsville and serving the people of North Queensland. I have much to learn in so doing. I ask that the profession bears with me as I do. I hope that working together I can discharge with credit the trust that has been placed in me by his Majesty and by the people of Queensland.

The Honourable Chief Justice Helen Bowskill

President Cate Heyworth-Smith KC

The Honourable Justice Shane Doyle

The Honourable Justice Christopher Johnstone