Queensland Attorney-General, Deb Frecklington, has today announced the appointment of Christopher Kahler to the Townsville District Court.
Admitted as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of Queensland and Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory in 2005, and to the High Court of Australia the following year, the Attorney-General said Mr Kahler (pictured) brings a wealth of local knowledge and legal experience to the role.
“Mr Kahler will bring invaluable and diverse legal expertise and experience to the Townsville District Court, and I know this appointment is very warmly welcomed by the existing judges who he will be working closely with,” the Attorney-General said.
“The Crisafulli Government’s election commitment to appoint a third District Court Judge for the Townsville Courthouse was part of our $21.5 million Faster Justice Plan. This announcement makes good on our promise to Townsville and puts victims first.
“We are already delivering on our plan to restore safety where you live and put victims front and centre of the justice system, victims of Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis must not have justice delayed because the former Government hadn’t resourced our courts.
“Mr Kahler is a recognised leader in the legal profession with deep roots in the North Queensland community, I congratulate and wish him well in his new role.”
Mr Kahler worked as a civil and criminal lawyer in North Queensland over 11 years, before establishing his own North Queensland legal practice in 2016. He is also currently an elected Councillor of the Queensland Law Society.
Member for Thuringowa, Natalie Marr said the appointment marked the first time the Townsville District Court had three permanently-based District Court judges.
“This marks a significant milestone in our courthouse’s 50-year history, and I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering faster access to justice,” Ms Marr said.
Mr Kahler will commence his new role on 5 May 2025.
