Qld AG a no-show at Fryberg's farewell

Queensland Supreme Court judge George Fryberg has retired from the bench after almost 20 years and the AG is under fire for missing his farewell address.

Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie

Queensland's attorney-general (pic) defended his failure to attend a farewell address by a judge. (AAP)

The Newman government is under fire for missing a farewell address by a judge involved in a stand off over Queensland's new bikie laws.

Supreme Court judge George Fryberg retired from the bench on Thursday after almost 20 years.

Silks and members of the public packed the Supreme Court for his valedictory speech, but Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie was nowhere to be seen.

Mr Bleijie, who was the architect of the new bikie laws, couldn't attend because he had a prior commitment, his office said.

But Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was an extraordinary situation.

"It is very rare, unheard of, for an Attorney-General not to appear," she told reporters on Thursday.

"It is extremely disappointing he didn't show and some may say that he snubbed today's proceeding.

"You have the entire bar association today, farewelling and showing respect."

Justice Fryberg made headlines last month when he stayed an alleged bikie gang member's bail hearing amid concerns about a public perception of political interference by the premier.

But the Court of Appeal eventually ruled that Justice Fryberg had erred when he froze the government's bid to revoke the bail of alleged bikie Jarrod Kevin Anthony Brown because of comments Premier Campbell Newman had made.

The appeals court found Mr Newman's reported comments would not make the public think judges had been influenced in their decision-making.

The premier was quoted in media reports urging judges to act within community expectations.

The Newman government has passed legislation which means defendants must prove they are not bikies in order to be granted bail, rather than the prosecution having to prove their affiliation.

Mr Bleijie said he was addressing 180 justices of the peace at an event arranged months ago.

He offered his best wished to Justice Fryberg and criticised Ms Palaszczuk for politicising his farewell address.

"It reflects poorly on her judgment," Mr Bleijie said.

"While I have attended several valedictory events for retiring members of the judiciary, the Opposition Leader rarely shows up.

"Does this mean she has snubbed those retiring Judges?"


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Source: AAP


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