Mooted reform might weaken critical judge

Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie is considering reforms to the hierarchy of courts, splitting the Court of Appeal: “Mr Bleijie could introduce a civil and criminal court of appeal, allowing him to choose which judges hear criminal cases.” It is reported that the move “could weaken the position of [Court of Appeal] President Margaret McMurdo”. Last year President McMurdo wrote to Bleijie to express concerns about his changes to sentencing law. She has not been consulted by the Attorney-General about his latest proposal.