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Backlash over the new chief justice appointment has been described by Bravehearts founder and CEO Hetty Johnston (pictured) as “unconscionable behaviour by our so-called learned elite”.
“These critics stand accused of workplace bullying, but they have taken it further than that and into the public arena.
“This same group of eminent Australians figures, who demand respect, protocol, manners, order and dispassion in the courtrooms, are themselves behaving like spoiled children.”
Johnston has worked alongside Carmody on a raft of child protection reforms, including Project Axis in 1999 when he was Queensland Crime Commissioner.
She praises Carmody’s appointment is a “perfect, inspired choice” and she urges the legal fraternity to work co-operatively with the newly appointed chief justice.
“You do not become a QC by accident and Tim Carmody has taken the knocks by those in their ivory towers with grace and distinction,” she says.
Johnston notes Carmody’s career distinctions, notably conducting the most comprehensive review of Queensland’s child protection system to date and heading up the inquiry which led to a $400 million overhaul of the system.
“The bottom line is that Queensland has the toughest child protection laws in the country and now we have a chief justice who is prepared to ensure those laws are upheld.
“Carmody is fitting for the job with exemplary legal knowledge, understanding and respect of the law but also because he is with the touch of the common man and has an appreciation for the plight of victims and other users of this system.”
Johnston’s statement mirrors comments made earlier today by former chief justice Alastair Nicholson of the Family Court, who says the backlash was “against the traditions of the profession and the law”.
Queensland Law Society have not yet provided comment.
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