About the Commissioner

Her Honour Judge Deborah Richards was appointed as the Commissioner for the independent Commission of Inquiry.

Judge Richards began her legal career in 1979 and was appointed as a judge of the District Court in 1998.  As an experienced Judge, Her Honour has an extensive understanding of the criminal justice system and the role of police.

Judge Richards is the President of the Childrens Court of Queensland and a Judge of the District Court, she is also a former crown prosecutor and public defender. She also served as a member of the Taskforce on Women in the Criminal Code in 1998.