Case Explained:This article breaks down the legal background, charges, and implications of Case Explained: Gympie solicitor Christopher Anderson appointed to Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council – Proctor – Legal Perspective
A Gympie solicitor with extensive experience in criminal law is one of five new appointees to the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council (QSAC).
The Queensland Government today announced that Christopher Anderson, former president of the Gympie District Law Association, will join the 14‑member panel from March 1.
The other new members joining the council, which is chaired by former Chief Judge Kerry O’Brien AM, are Victoria Trafford‑Walker, Dr David Bartlett, Phillip Rennick, and Kelli Lemass.
Attorney‑General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the new appointees brought diverse and significant experience across the legal and justice sectors.
“The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council provides valuable insights as we continue working to strengthen our laws and ensure sentencing reflects the seriousness of crime,” she said.
The new members (from the Queensland Government announcement):
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- Victoria Trafford-Walker – currently the Deputy Public Defender at Legal Aid Queensland, she has been a barrister since 2001 and spent 14 years as a prosecutor with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
- Christopher Anderson – of Jeffrey Cuddihy and Joyce Solicitors in Gympie where he has been the Legal Practitioner Director since 2014 and has extensive experience representing clients in criminal matters.
- Dr David Bartlett – a criminologist, public servant and Griffith University academic who brings to the Council a strong background of research in behavioural sciences and criminal activity.
- Phillip Rennick – a former officer of 21 years in the Queensland Police Service before retiring as Detective Senior Sergeant in 2007 to begin private practice as a barrister and is highly experienced in criminal and family law.
- Kelli Lemass – brings experience as both a Principal Prosecutor at the Office of the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor, and as a Crown Prosecutor with the ODPP since being admitted as a lawyer in 2015.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington congratulated the new members on their appointments, who will bring a wealth of legal knowledge and experience to the Council.