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2010-12-20
Queensland’s new Sentencing Advisory Council gathered for the first time today, with standard minimum jail terms for serious crimes at the top of the council’s meeting agenda. Read more
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2010-12-16
Statement by Attorney-General Cameron Dick: I have requested legal advice today about the prospects of success on an appeal against the sentence imposed on Gordon Nuttall on 16 December 2010. Read more
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2010-12-10
Queensland courts continued their record of efficiently resolving criminal and civil cases last financial year, despite an overall increase in workload. Read more
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2010-12-10
Queensland’s crackdown on the ill-gotten gains of criminal activities continued in 2009-10, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions helping to target cash and assets worth almost $27 million from criminals. Read more
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2010-12-09
A highly respected human rights and disabilities advocate has been appointed as Queensland’s new Anti-Discrimination Commissioner. Read more
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2010-12-09
A prominent north-west Queensland lawyer has been appointed as Mount Isa’s new magistrate. Read more
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2010-12-03
A new era in Queensland’s criminal justice system has started today with the appointment of 12 members to the state’s first Sentencing Advisory Council. Read more
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2010-12-02
A high-level administrator with more than 25 years’ experience in the public sector has been appointed as Queensland’s new Ombudsman. Read more
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2010-11-25
Queenslanders will have a clear framework for resolving disputes between neighbours over trees and fences under new laws introduced into State Parliament today. Read more
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2010-11-24
Murderous ex-lovers, graveyard vandals and unscrupulous landlords are in the Bligh Government’s legal sights with tough new laws introduced in Parliament today. Read more
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2010-11-23
The Attorney-General has directed the Queensland State Coroner to re-open the inquest into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Vicki Arnold and Julie-Anne Leahy. Read more
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2010-11-17
Attorney-General Cameron Dick has joined Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt in Mackay to acknowledge the hard work of Murri Court volunteers. Read more
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2010-11-12
The Legal Services Commission has continued its important role in the governance of the legal profession, finalising more than 1200 complaints and investigations during a busy 2009-10 financial year. Read more
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2010-11-12
The Queensland Government has released the results of a very detailed review of the state’s guardianship laws. Read more
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2010-11-11
Statement by the Attorney-General re High Court decision in Totani matter. Read more
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2010-11-10
Queensland’s new ‘super’ tribunal has been a successful addition to the state’s justice system, achieving a clearance rate of 87 per cent in its first seven months of operation amid increasing demand for its services. Read more
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2010-11-10
Today, I have lodged an appeal in the Court of Appeal in Brisbane against the sentences imposed on Benjamin Thomas Price for assault occasioning bodily harm and common assault. Read more
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2010-11-05
Attorney-General Cameron Dick has announced three significant appointments within the justice portfolio. Read more
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2010-11-03
The Bligh Government will introduce changes to shop leasing laws to force landlords to pass on rent savings to lessees. Read more
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2010-10-28
A package of reforms that strengthens Queensland's criminal sentencing regime has been passed by Queensland Parliament. Read more
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2010-10-25
The Bligh Government will take its tough stance on violent crime to a new level, introducing standard non-parole periods to ensure jail time fits the crime. Read more
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2010-10-22
Today I have lodged an appeal in the Court of Appeal in Brisbane against the sentence imposed on Gerard Vincent Byrnes for the offences of rape, maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship, and indecent treatment of a child under the age of 16. Read more
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2010-10-18
Blind and vision-impaired Queenslanders may soon be given the opportunity to do what most voters take for granted: being able to cast a secret ballot. Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the Electoral Commission of Queensland was researching computer-based voting technology with funding of $960,000 in 2010-11. Read more
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2010-10-06
Queensland magistrates can now serve on the bench for an extra five years under laws passed by State Parliament today. Read more
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2010-10-06
Attorney-General Cameron Dick has announced the appointment of respected lawyers Jenny Mead and Clare Smith as part-time Right to Information Commissioners. Read more
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2010-10-05
Today I have lodged an appeal in the Court of Appeal in Brisbane against the sentence imposed on Floyd Samson Henare Thomason for grievous bodily harm. Read more
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2010-09-30
The Crime and Misconduct Commission’s fight against organised crime made substantial inroads in 2009-10, with the net value of assets forfeited by criminals reaching a record $5.5 million. Read more
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2010-09-30
The Queensland Ombudsman – a key part of the State Government’s accountability framework – has maintained its high clearance rates during a busy 2009-10 financial year. Read more
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2010-09-30
Queensland’s courts have recorded impressive clearance rates for 2009-10, highlighting the effectiveness of the state’s justice system. Read more
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2010-09-29
The Sunshine Coast’s growing population now has easier access to the valuable services offered by the Public Trustee thanks to the opening of a new regional office. Read more
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2010-09-21
Southside residents are the first in Queensland to get access to the Bligh Government’s new Justice Connect mobile shopfront service. Read more
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2010-09-17
Today, I have written to the Queensland State Coroner for an inquest to be re-opened into the circumstances surrounding the death of Anthony John Jones, who went missing in Townsville in 1982. Read more
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2010-09-17
Attorney-General Cameron Dick told Parliament today that the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data comparing criminal courts across Australia showed that Queensland courts were tough on crime. Read more
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2010-09-16
Victims of crime will be better supported on their path to recovery with the introduction of a new victims guide, Attorney-General Cameron Dick told State Parliament today. Read more
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2010-09-16
Queensland workers who enter into legal surrogacy arrangements and are covered by the state’s industrial relations laws will soon be entitled to parental leave under proposed reforms introduced to State Parliament tonight. Read more
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2010-09-13
Jealous ex-lovers will be prevented from using provocation as an excuse for criminal behaviour under Criminal Code amendments to be introduced by the Queensland Government. Read more
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2010-09-09
Attorney-General Cameron Dick has announced the appointment of John Baulch SC as a judge of the District Court of Queensland. Read more
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2010-09-08
Member for Woodridge Desley Scott and Attorney-General Cameron Dick this week acknowledged 65 years of dedicated community service by local Justices of the Peace. Read more
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2010-09-06
The Queensland Government has authorised the release of further evidence in relation to David Gabriel Watson, after Alabama authorities provided a binding undertaking to not pursue the death penalty. Read more
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2010-09-06
The Queensland Government’s new support service for victims of violent crimes is proving to be a success, with almost $2.2 million distributed to applicants in the first eight months of operation. Read more
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2010-09-06
Serious violent offenders, particularly those who commit offences against children, can expect to serve longer jail terms under planned amendments to the Penalties and Sentences Act. Read more
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2010-09-03
An appeal has been lodged in the Court of Appeal in Brisbane against the sentences imposed on Maurizio Perini for manslaughter, burglary with circumstances of aggravation, burglary and stealing, and interference with a corpse. Read more
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2010-09-02
Dangerous sex offenders will face longer prison sentences and closer supervision on release under tough new laws passed tonight by State Parliament. Read more
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2010-08-24
I have again written to Alabama Attorney-General Troy King today in an attempt to finalise matters concerning the possible US prosecution of David Gabriel Watson. Read more
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2010-08-24
Queensland’s pioneering approach to the provision of public access to government-held documents reached another milestone this week. The 17th and final Freedom of Information Act annual report has been tabled in Parliament. Read more
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2010-08-19
Indigenous community justice groups in South Queensland will benefit from a funding boost of $415,000 from the Bligh Government for 2010-11. Community justice groups in Maryborough, Cunnamulla, Cherbourg, Goondiwindi and St George would receive funding this financial year. Read more
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2010-08-05
The Bligh Government has released guidelines that provide a framework for determining when post-conviction DNA testing can be conducted for serious criminal offences. Read more
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2010-08-03
Access to justice in Queensland will be quicker and easier following the passage of sweeping reforms through State Parliament today. Read more
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2010-08-02
Paedophiles and criminals who commit violent offences against children are targeted under stronger sentencing laws to be introduced into Parliament this week. Read more
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2010-07-29
The retesting of DNA material relating to the case of Shane Sebastian Davis has been completed, Attorney-General Cameron Dick said today. Read more
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2010-07-27
Attorney-General Cameron Dick today acknowledged 200 years of dedicated community service by local Justices of the Peace. Read more
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2010-07-27
Attorney-General Cameron Dick today acknowledged the valuable contribution of a Roma resident to the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service. Read more
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2010-07-20
The Government's crackdown on fine dodgers has paid off, with a record total of $166.4 million in unpaid fines collected in 2009-10. Read more
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2010-07-20
The Bligh Government will make it easier for the public to get access to justice-related services, with a new mobile shopfront going directly to where people live and work. Read more
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2010-07-19
An appeal was lodged today in the Court of Appeal in Brisbane against the sentences imposed on Jayant Patel for manslaughter and grievous bodily harm. Read more
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2010-07-19
People who damage graves and headstones will face up to seven years in jail as part of a package of legal reforms that will target graveyard vandalism. Read more
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2010-07-02
Attorney-General Cameron Dick has invited organisations who provide services for victims of crime to apply for funding through Victim Assist Queensland. Read more
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2010-07-02
Attorney-General Cameron Dick has announced the appointment of David Boddice SC as a judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland. Read more
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2010-06-30
Attorney-General Cameron Dick today encouraged Queenslanders to have their say on draft neighbourhood dispute laws before submissions close on 9 July. Read more
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2010-06-29
Respected lawyer and former Crime and Misconduct Commission chair Robert Needham has been appointed as the public interest watchdog under Queensland's laws targeting criminal organisations. Read more
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2010-06-28
Attorney-General Cameron Dick has acknowledged the hard work of court volunteers in a ceremony at the Cleveland Courthouse today. Read more
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2010-06-09
A massive court building program supporting thousands of jobs, more frontline staff and better legal aid services for Queenslanders are the focus of this year's record $1.046 billion justice budget. Read more
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2010-06-02
Attorney General Cameron Dick today officially opened the new Murri Court in Toowoomba, bringing the number of established Murri Courts in the state to 17. Read more
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2010-06-02
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine and Attorney-General Cameron Dick today acknowledged 300 years of dedicated community service by local Justices of the Peace. Read more
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2010-05-28
The Bligh Government will lift the retirement age for magistrates, bringing them into line with Supreme and District Court judges. Read more
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2010-05-28
Students from two Rockhampton high schools will get the chance to cross-examine Queensland's top law officer, Attorney-General Cameron Dick, when he visits the region next week for the Bligh Government's Community Cabinet meeting. Read more
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2010-05-24
The Bligh Government is seeking feedback from key stakeholders on reviews of two important indigenous justice programs. Read more
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2010-05-16
The Bligh Government is strengthening the laws relating to dangerous sex offenders to improve community safety. Read more
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2010-05-12
Attorney-General Cameron Dick has tabled in State Parliament draft laws to make it easier to resolve neighbourhood disputes over trees and fences. Read more
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2010-04-14
Fine dodgers paid up in record numbers in March, a sign the Bligh Government’s tough new fine collection laws are working. Attorney-General Cameron Dick said March 2010 was the State Penalties Enforcement Registry’s (SPER) highest recorded collection month in its history. Read more
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2010-04-14
Attorney-General Cameron Dick has tabled in State Parliament a report by the Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC) into the directions and instructions given to juries. Read more
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2010-04-13
Queensland justice marked a major milestone today as Attorney-General Cameron Dick introduced legislation into State Parliament paving the way for significant reforms to the criminal and civil justice system. Read more
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2010-03-17
An independent survey has found that Queensland is one of the safest communities in Australia, Attorney-General Cameron Dick told a community safety forum today. Read more
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2010-03-11
State Parliament today passed important new legislation to increase the maximum amounts available for personal injury compensation in Queensland. Read more
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2010-03-10
Residents of flood-ravaged communities in central and south western Queensland have been offered help to replace important documents lost in floodwaters. Read more
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2010-03-06
The Queensland Government’s commitment to Ipswich and the western corridor was highlighted with the official opening of the region’s new $92 million courthouse. Read more
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2010-03-03
An innovative mediation training program planned in the far north next month will give residents the chance to learn how to effectively work with people to settle disputes. Attorney-General Cameron Dick, who will be in the region this weekend with the Premier and his Cabinet colleagues for the Bligh Government’s Community Cabinet meeting, announced the training program today. Read more
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2010-03-03
Fine dodging corporate fat cats will be targeted as part of the next stage of a State Government’s crackdown on fine evaders. Premier Anna Bligh said the new laws, to be introduced into Parliament later this year, will target corporations with unpaid fines. Read more
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2010-02-16
Murri Court elders in Townsville were today presented with ceremonial sashes to recognise the special role they play within the state’s justice system. Read more
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2010-02-16
Attorney General Cameron Dick today opened the new Murri Court in Charters Towers, bringing the number of established Murri Courts in Queensland to 17. Read more
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2010-02-16
Attorney-General Cameron Dick today announced a series of Life Decisions forums for older Queenslanders will be held throughout the State this year, starting with a forum next month in Townsville. Read more
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2010-02-16
The mediation skills of North Queensland’s most prolific problem-solver have been recognised by Attorney-General Cameron Dick. Read more
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2010-02-11
Queensland couples unable to have children now have new hope after State Parliament tonight passed laws that decriminalise altruistic surrogacy. Read more
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2010-02-09
The Queensland Parliament has passed two important changes to the Criminal Code to protect the rights of Queenslanders. Read more
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2010-02-07
A sentencing advisory council will be established by the Bligh Government to give the community a greater say on how criminals are punished in Queensland. Read more
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2010-01-01
The State Government is set to introduce tough new measures to clamp down on people who fail to pay their fines. Read more