Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Monday, September 07, 2009

Passing of Supreme Court Justice Peter Dutney

Joint statement

Queensland Chief Justice the honourable Paul de Jersey AC
Queensland Attorney-General Cameron Dick

Chief Justice of Queensland, The Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, and Attorney-General Cameron Dick have paid tribute to Supreme Court Justice Peter Dutney, who died suddenly on Friday night in South Australia.

Justice Dutney was 54 years old.

Chief Justice de Jersey said Justice Dutney's colleagues and friends in the judiciary and legal community had been shocked by his sudden death.

“The Supreme Court mourns the tragic loss of a fine judge, of brilliant judicial accomplishment and indefatigable in the discharge of his judicial duties,” the Chief Justice said.

The Attorney-General said Justice Dutney's sudden passing would be a great loss to both the legal profession and the state.

“Justice Dutney had a deep understanding of the Queensland justice system, and was held in high esteem across the profession as both a judicial officer and advocate,” Mr Dick said.

“He was passionate about alternative dispute resolution and was well qualified to be the inaugural President of the new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

“Justice Dutney demonstrated his commitment to the administration of justice in Queensland during his nine years on the bench, first as Central Court Judge in Rockhampton, and as an eminent commercial judge in Brisbane.

“On behalf of the State Government, I would like to offer my condolences to Justice Dutney’s family at this difficult time.”

Justice Dutney was appointed to the Supreme Court on 20 March 2000, after more than 20 years working as a barrister and solicitor in Queensland.

His legal career started in 1975, as an article clerk at the Brisbane law firm Morris Fletcher and Cross law firm. He went on to complete his Law degree at the University of Queensland in 1978, was admitted to the Bar in 1979, and in 1990 was appointed Queen’s Council.

Justice Dutney served as Central Court Judge in Rockhampton for eight years from 19 May 2000 to 14 January 2008.

In July, His Honour was named as the inaugural President of QCAT, which commences operation on 1 December 2009.

Media contact: 3224 7481

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