Supreme Court judge unveiled as state’s new governor
Laine Clark |
A Court of Appeal judge has been unveiled as a state’s new governor.
Justice Thomas Bradley will be sworn in on November 1, taking over from Jeannette Young as Queensland’s 28th governor.
Premier David Crisafulli confirmed Justice Bradley’s new role after receiving approval from King Charles.
“Justice Bradley has dedicated his life to service in the courts, to servicing the community, and this role is the next extension in a lifetime of service for a great state,” the premier said on Tuesday.
“Every governor puts their stamp on the role, and I’m very confident that Justice Bradley will do that.”
A “born and raised Queenslander”, Justice Bradley has served as a Supreme Court judge since 2018 and was elevated to the Court of Appeal in March 2025.
“I share the goals of my predecessors as governors of Queensland to carry out the constitutional responsibilities with dignity, fairness, and a commitment to the rule of law,” he said, calling his new role a “tremendous honour”.
Born in the far north’s Cairns, Justice Bradley was educated in Brisbane and graduated from the University of Queensland before being admitted as a barrister in 2000.
He was appointed Queen’s Counsel by 2013, becoming a member of the Supreme Court Library Legal Heritage Subcommittee the same year.
Justice Bradley has also been a community leader and is chair of the Brisbane Festival Giving Committee and Brisbane Writers Festival.
He is an ambassador for the Pinnacle Foundation, a national charity that provides scholarships, mentoring and support for young LGBTQIA+ people.
“Advocacy and patronage for a diverse range of Queensland groups is another integral part of the role, and I look forward to spending time with as many Queenslanders as possible across the state as I serve,” Justice Bradley said.
He takes over from Dr Young who has served in the role for five years.
Dr Young was the fourth woman to serve in the role after being appointed in 2021 following her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as the state’s chief health officer.
“Her energy in the role has been fantastic, and I’ve conveyed how deeply appreciate we are of her service over the years,” Mr Crisafulli said of Dr Young’s stint.
AAP