Former barrister welcomed ‘home’ as new Mackay magistrate

‘It is really important, I think, for members of the local profession to have something to aspire to in future.’

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan has been welcomed to the Mackay bench.

NEW magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan highlighted the importance of offering regional lawyers future career paths as she was welcomed to the Mackay bench.

The highly respected barrister labelled her appointment to the Mackay Magistrates Court a “dream come true”.

“It is really important, I think, for members of the local profession to have something to aspire to in future of their legal careers when they dedicate their professional lives to the regions,” she said.

“And it is important for any community that there are barristers and solicitors who are willing to practise in the regions so that there is equal justice for all.”

Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan.

For the past three and a half months Ms Hartigan, who practised in the region for 15 years, has been presiding over the Bundaberg Magistrates Court where she “was able to test out my judicial style on complete strangers”.

“It was a daunting experience to be a brand new magistrate in a one-magistrate town,” Ms Hartigan said.

“But I pulled myself together and I decided that I would swim rather than sink and from that moment forward I developed my confidence in my new role.

“I’m very proud to sit here today as one of your three local magistrates and acting magistrate.”

In Mackay Ms Hartigan became a champion for other female lawyers as the only woman barrister in the region for the past 11 years.

Mackay silk Paddy Cullinane praised Ms Hartigan’s work ethic as “legendary”.

“This is not so much a welcome as a welcome home,” he said.

“I personally enjoyed being a chambermate of your honour for those 15 years.

“You always gave firm and forthright advice on many issues … it was often solicited.”

As a barrister Ms Hartigan worked hard to build a reputation as being honest, forthright, reliable, hardworking and effective.

“My new role is certainly different, but my core values and expectations of myself remain the same and that is I intend to work hard, build a reputation as fair, courteous, thorough, consistent and above all else show respect to everyone,” she said.

It was noted in good humour that Ms Hartigan’s beloved office companion – her dog – would no longer be able to accompany her to work without permission from the chief magistrate.

“I’m happy to lobby on your behalf,” Mr Cullinane said to a laughing crowd that included Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath and Ms Hartigan’s husband David.

“It’s wonderful to have you home.”

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