George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Macdonald, through you Mr President, I am not surprised if you briefed Justice Kiefel, because I recall in her very early days at the bar she had something of a specialisation in local government and planning law. I know that when you were a solicitor in North Queensland that was a field in which you practised as well, so I would not be surprised if that was the case—though I think it would be a bit of a stretch to say that you were the one who set her on her way! Justice Kiefel, nevertheless, does have a great story. She left school at 15, she studied at night to complete her high school education and then she studied for admission to the bar. She developed a successful practice, she was very widely briefed and she was very well-thought of and held in great respect and esteem by members of the Queensland bar. I appeared with her myself many times—I appeared against her as well sometimes. She is, Senator Macdonald, the fourth Queensland Chief Justice of Australia.