Queensland’s 28th governor Thomas Bradley sworn in
Justice Thomas Bradley KC has been sworn in as Queensland’s 28th governor in a ceremony at Government House on Sunday.
The Court of Appeal judge will replace Dr Jeannette Young, who has held the role since 2021.
In an address to attendees on Sunday, Bradley described the appointment as a “tremendous honour” and said he looked forward to engaging with people across the state “to help harness the wisdom, the skill, and the goodwill that is in every community”.
He continued with an extensive list of Queensland towns and cities visited by he and partner Matthew Young this year, and said they aimed “to spend as much time out of Brisbane as we spend in it” while fulfilling his new role as governor.
“Over the next few years, we will meet people, and we will honour achievements in those and in many other communities across the state, large and small,” Bradley said.
The governor appointment does not have a fixed term, but representatives typically spend about five years in the role.
Bradley noted that his term will capture the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and described an opportunity to showcase Queensland to the world.
“In the coming years, we will understand more of the best that the world has to offer in sport, in thought, culture and in values.
“In the same conversation, the world will learn that in each of those fields, some of the best is already here in Queensland.
“Using our imagination, we will share with the world some secrets about living in this special place, and fresh eyes from around the world will notice more of the detail and perhaps the beauty that is here.”
Premier David Crisafulli acknowledged Bradley’s lifelong commitment to public service, and said his career achievements would bring value to the role.
“These duties call for sound judgment, integrity, and an instinct for treating people with respect,” he said.
“Your career gives Queenslanders every reason to look forward to your service with great confidence.”
Bradley was born in Cairns and attended school at Clairvaux College in Brisbane. He graduated from the University of Queensland with a law degree in 1987 and was admitted as a barrister in 2000.
Three years after becoming a barrister, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel, a title held by senior, highly experienced barristers.
He had been a sitting judge of the Supreme Court since 2018, and served on the Supreme Court Library Legal Heritage Subcommittee.
Opposition leader Steven Miles highlighted Bradley’s cultural accolades, including his role as the first state-based ambassador for the Pinnacle foundation, an LGBTQIA+ education charity, his work on the Brisbane Festival Giving Committee, and as the chair of the Brisbane Writers Festival.
“I think there is one thing all of us can agree on: is that representation matters,” Miles said.
“Queensland is stronger when the people in public roles are a reflection of its citizens.”
The Crisafulli government appointed Bradley to the Court of Appeal in March last year. He was announced as Queensland’s next government in August.
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