Following months of uncertainty, the vacant post of Queensland Chief Magistarte has finally been filled. Brisbane barrister Marshall Irwin was this month appointed to the senior role, last held by Di Fingleton, who was forced to stand down earlier this year after being found guilty of intimidating a witness.

She is currently serving a prison sentence. “This has been a difficult time for the Queensland Magistracy and it is important that the community has full confidence in the Magistracy,” QLD premier Peter Beattie said. A former State Deputy Director of Prosecutions, Irwin is perhaps best known for playing a major role in the establishing the Criminal Justice Commission.