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Community advocates and legal leaders have lauded the appointment of Justice Thomas Bradley as Queensland’s next governor, describing him as a deeply committed public servant.
Following Tuesday’s announcement that the Supreme Court judge would become Queensland’s 28th governor, those who have worked closely with him over many years were quick to praise the appointment as fitting recognition of a distinguished career.
Pinnacle Foundation chief executive Andrew Staite said the LGBTQ+ youth charity was “absolutely thrilled and delighted” by the announcement.
Bradley was a long-time ambassador and donor to the foundation, which provided scholarships, mentoring and support to LGBTQ+ young people around Australia.
Bradley’s partner, Dr Matthew Yoong, stood beside him on Tuesday morning as Premier David Crisafulli announced his appointment.
“His commitment is deep,” Staite said. “He is always willing to give freely of his time to inspire young people and to help them understand that they too can aspire to be their best.”
Staite said Bradley had long recognised the challenges faced by young LGBTQ+ people, particularly those growing up in regional and rural communities.
Growing up “a bit different in a country area sometimes isn’t the easiest thing”, Staite said, and Bradley understood the importance of creating opportunities for young people.
“I think he’ll be a wonderful governor for Queensland,” he said.
Staite said Bradley’s interests extended well beyond the law, including the arts and community causes, and predicted he would bring a broad perspective to the vice-regal role.
“He really deeply understands the importance of having a strong community and a supportive community, where people come together to support others less fortunate than themselves,” he said.
“I think he’s an inspired choice.”
Bradley started his legal career with Morris Fletcher & Cross, which through a series of mergers now forms part of MinterEllison.
Among those who worked with Bradley early in his legal career was MinterEllison partner Tom Fletcher.
“Thomas Bradley was an exceptional lawyer,” Fletcher said.
“He built a strong reputation during his time with the firm, before going on to become one of Queensland’s leading advocates.”
Fletcher said MinterEllison had briefed Bradley extensively over many years, allowing the firm to observe his rise to become “one of the state’s most respected and sought-after senior counsel”.
“His subsequent service on the Supreme Court reinforced the qualities that were evident early in his career: intellectual rigour, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to the law,” he said.
“His appointment as governor of Queensland reflects a lifetime of achievement, leadership and service.”
While the outgoing governor, Jeannette Young, became one of the state’s most recognisable public figures during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bradley will assume the role much less well known – outside legal and cultural circles, at least.
Fletcher said many in the legal profession who had followed Bradley’s career would be delighted to see him recognised through the honour of being the King’s representative in Queensland.
“We wish him every success in this important role,” he said.
Bradley will be sworn in on November 1.
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