Legal community pays tribute: Rockhampton Magistrate Cameron Press retires

A well-respected, tireless working magistrate has been described as “an exceptionally smart and insightful judicial officer who kept you on your toes” as he is set to hang up his black robe for the last time today.

Central Queensland Magistrate Cameron Press will hang up his black robe for the last time this afternoon after 15 years as a magistrate, mainly based in Rockhampton but also sitting in Yeppoon and Woorabinda.

A retiring magistrate has referred to the chaotic destruction and displacement being experienced in war-torn countries as he reflected on his 40-year legal career.

Central Queensland Magistrate Cameron Press will hang up his black robe for the last time this afternoon after 15 years as a magistrate, mainly based in Rockhampton but also sitting in Yeppoon and Woorabinda.

Mr Press told The Morning Bulletin that it has been a profound privilege to serve the people of Queensland in the capacity of a magistrate for over 15 years.

“The rule of law is a fundamental pillar underpinning our democratic society,” he said.

“Without it, the whole structure is prone to collapse, and society becomes chaotic.

“Currently, war, destruction and displacement prevail in many countries.

“We should be forever grateful that we live in Australia.

“We should never take for granted our democratic institutions including our rule of law and independent judiciary.

“I have been very fortunate to have spent virtually all my career in various legal roles, including as an articled law clerk, solicitor, barrister and judicial officer.

“Each of those roles plays an integral part in the application of the rule of law within our community.

“Law is a profession where great satisfaction is attained from helping and assisting people who are often experiencing challenging times.

“It is indeed those occasions that have proved for me to be the most rewarding.

“As to my future intentions, it is now time for health and family to take precedence.”

One of the cases Mr Press presided over as a magistrate was a repeat domestic violence offender; they claimed they could not find anywhere else to stay since being released from prison three weeks prior for DV offences, and claimed he had contacted all services that helped with homelessness.

The defendant asked Mr Press if he expected him to sleep on the riverbank to which Mr Press said ‘yes’.

He also questioned another driver’s claim that a late-night street race was a spur-of-the-moment decision while he was “just out for a drive”.

Bar Association CQ district leader, Steven Deaves, said Mr Press had been a part of the CQ legal community for more than 40 years.

Steven Deaves.

“He undertook articles of clerkship and qualified as a solicitor, becoming a partner in the local firm Connolly, Schirmer and Batts,” Mr Deaves said.

He said Mr Press was subsequently called to the Bar and was a founding member of the Old Supreme Court Chambers.

“He earned the respect of and was well-liked by the profession,” Mr Deaves said.

He said following his appointment as a magistrate in 2010, Mr Press quickly developed a reputation as a “hardworking and no-nonsense judicial officer” but also maintained his humanity and his sense of humour on the bench.

“The Central Queensland community has been well served by His Honour who will be missed,” Mr Deaves said.

Queensland Law Society President Genevieve Dee said Mr Press’s legal career also included appointments to the Mental Health Review Tribunal from 2005 to 2010 and the Northern and Central Queensland Regional Parole Board from 2008 to 2010.

“Since 2010, he has served the Rockhampton Magistrates Court with dedication, and in his role as regional co-ordinating magistrate, has worked tirelessly to ensure the fair and efficient delivery of justice across Central Queensland,” she said.

“On behalf of Queensland Law Society, I thank Magistrate Press for his service to the people of Central Queensland and commitment to the administration of justice.”

Chief Magistrate Janelle Brassington has commented that she would like to thank Mr Press for his service as a magistrate and regional co-ordinating magistrate and wished him well in the future.

CQ Law Association president Melanie Findlay said Mr Press had a strong engagement with the local legal profession regularly presenting papers at local legal conferences and seminars.

“We wish his Honour all the best in the next phase of his life and would like to thank him for his distinguished legal service to the Central Queensland Region,” she said.

Legrady Law principal Samantha Legrady said she had learnt so much from appearing before Mr Press over the years.

Criminal lawyer Samantha Legrady recently opened the doors of Legrady Law in Rockhampton. Picture: Contributed

“His empathy, fairness, and dedication to what is an incredibly tough role have made a lasting impact,” she said.

“He has given so much to the community and will be truly missed.”

RK Law principal Rowan King said he was fortunate enough to appear before Mr Press almost daily for about seven years.

Rowan King at the Brisbane Supreme Court. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“He was an exceptionally smart and insightful judicial officer who kept you on your toes and welcomed robust legal debate,” he said.

“His wisdom and dedication to the law have left a lasting impact on justice in Central Queensland.

“I wish him all the very best in his retirement and sincerely thank him for his outstanding service to our community.”

The new magistrate in Rockhampton, filling in the gap left behind by Mr Press’s retirement, will be Peter Kuskie, who starts on Monday, June 30.

Mr Kuskie brings an extensive legal background to the magistrates court, with his work spanning multiple jurisdictions and practice areas as a partner in private practice.

Following his admission as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1995, he has practised across criminal law, family law, administrative law, property law and commercial law.

He has also acted in pro-bono cases for veterans, First Nations Australians, and victims of domestic violence, showing his unwavering dedication to justice and service in the legal profession.

Originally published as Legal community pays tribute: Rockhampton Magistrate Cameron Press retires