She is the first woman to preside over an appellate court in Australia and has served 25 years as a Queensland judge.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has lauded Court of Appeal President Margaret McMurdo after the senior judge notified the Governor of her intention to resign her commission.
“Justice McMurdo has been an exemplary servant of justice in this state,” said D’Ath of the judge who’s retiring on 26 March 2017.
“She has been a judge in Queensland for more than 25 years, since becoming the first woman appointed to the bench of the District Court in 1991,” said the Attorney-General.
“Eighteen years ago, when she was appointed President of the Court of Appeal, she became the first woman to preside over an appellate court in Australia. The tenor of her term stands as testament to her legal acumen and leadership over that significant period,” D’Ath said.
Justice McMurdo is a Companion of the Order of Australia and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003.
A founding member of Women Lawyers Association, McMurdo was admitted to the bar in 1976 and subsequently spent time as an assistant public defender and at the private bar.
“She has brought dignity, leadership and intellectual rigour to this vital role, and rightly has the respect of the legal profession and the judiciary - across this state and beyond,” said D’Ath
“In providing notice of her intended departure from the role, Justice McMurdo again demonstrates her continued commitment to the efficient administration of justice in Queensland,” the Justice Minister added.
“Her period of notice ensures there will be minimal disruption to the function of the courts, and allow a smooth transition to take place. Once again, I thank Justice McMurdo for her distinguished service to Queensland and wish her all the best for the future.”
The fresh-faced justice, 62, is married to fellow Court of Appeal Justice Philip McMurdo. The justice was not due to retire until 2024 when she reaches the compulsory retirement age for judges.
The Queensland Appeals Court top official made headlines last year for refusing to sit with former Chief Justice Tim Carmody on any cases.
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“Justice McMurdo has been an exemplary servant of justice in this state,” said D’Ath of the judge who’s retiring on 26 March 2017.
“She has been a judge in Queensland for more than 25 years, since becoming the first woman appointed to the bench of the District Court in 1991,” said the Attorney-General.
“Eighteen years ago, when she was appointed President of the Court of Appeal, she became the first woman to preside over an appellate court in Australia. The tenor of her term stands as testament to her legal acumen and leadership over that significant period,” D’Ath said.
Justice McMurdo is a Companion of the Order of Australia and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003.
A founding member of Women Lawyers Association, McMurdo was admitted to the bar in 1976 and subsequently spent time as an assistant public defender and at the private bar.
“She has brought dignity, leadership and intellectual rigour to this vital role, and rightly has the respect of the legal profession and the judiciary - across this state and beyond,” said D’Ath
“In providing notice of her intended departure from the role, Justice McMurdo again demonstrates her continued commitment to the efficient administration of justice in Queensland,” the Justice Minister added.
“Her period of notice ensures there will be minimal disruption to the function of the courts, and allow a smooth transition to take place. Once again, I thank Justice McMurdo for her distinguished service to Queensland and wish her all the best for the future.”
The fresh-faced justice, 62, is married to fellow Court of Appeal Justice Philip McMurdo. The justice was not due to retire until 2024 when she reaches the compulsory retirement age for judges.
The Queensland Appeals Court top official made headlines last year for refusing to sit with former Chief Justice Tim Carmody on any cases.
Related stories:
Hostile departure for District Court judge
QLD AG, Law Society slam Dutton slight
