Paul de Jersey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, CVO, KC
Paul de Jersey in 2016
26th Governor of Queensland
In office 29 July 2014 – 1 November 2021
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Premier	Campbell Newman Annastacia Palaszczuk
Preceded by	Penelope Wensley
Succeeded by	Jeannette Young
17th Chief Justice of Queensland
In office 17 February 1998 – 8 July 2014
Nominated by	Rob Borbidge
Appointed by	Peter Arnison representing Queen Elizabeth II
Governor	Peter Arnison (1997–2003) Quentin Bryce (2003–08) Penelope Wensley (2008–14)
Preceded by	John Macrossan
Succeeded by	Timothy Carmody
Personal details
Born	(1948-09-21) 21 September 1948 (age 76) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Alma mater	University of Queensland
Awards	Companion of the Order of Australia Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Knight of the Order of St John
Military service
Allegiance	Australia
Branch/service	Australian Army Reserve
Years of service	1966–1971
Rank	Lieutenant
Unit	Queensland University Regiment

Paul de Jersey (born 21 September 1948) is an Australian lawyer and judge. He served as the 26th Governor of Queensland from July 29, 2014, to November 1, 2021. Before that, he was the Chief Justice of Queensland from 1998 to 2014.

Early Life and Education

Paul de Jersey went to Anglican Church Grammar School from 1961 to 1965. After school, he studied at the University of Queensland. He earned two degrees in 1971: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours.

While at university, he was also part of the Queensland University Regiment. This was a part of the Australian Army Reserve. He served there from 1966 to 1971 and became an officer in 1969.

Career as a Lawyer and Judge

Paul de Jersey started his career as a lawyer in Queensland in 1971. He was only 23 years old. By the age of 33, in 1981, he became a Queen's Counsel. This is a special title given to experienced lawyers.

As a lawyer, he worked on business cases. He also appeared in important cases before Australia's highest court, the High Court. In 1985, when he was 36, he became a judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland. From 1986 to 1989, he handled commercial cases.

He also held other important roles. He was the judge for the Mental Health Tribunal from 1994 to 1996. He led the Queensland Industrial Court from 1996 to 1997. He was also the chairman of the Law Reform Commission of Queensland during the same time. This group helps to update laws.

Chief Justice of Queensland

On February 17, 1998, Paul de Jersey became the Chief Justice of Queensland. He was 40 years old, making him one of the youngest Chief Justices in Queensland's history.

He also helped many community groups. He was the Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane since 1991. He was involved with the Australian Cancer Society and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. He also chaired the Queensland Cancer Fund, which is now the Cancer Council Queensland. More recently, he became the Chairman of the School Council at his old school, Anglican Church Grammar School.

Serving as Governor of Queensland

Paul de Jersey became the 26th Governor of Queensland on July 29, 2014. The Governor is the King's representative in the state. When the Governor of Victoria, Alex Chernov, retired in 2015, Paul de Jersey became the longest-serving state governor in Australia. This meant he also took on the role of Administrator of the Commonwealth. In this role, he could act as the Governor-General of Australia if the Governor-General was away or unable to work.

Gavel the Vice-Regal Dog

In 2017, a German Shepherd dog named Gavel became famous. He was appointed as the "vice-regal dog" for the Governor. Gavel had tried to become a police dog but was too friendly! A children's book was released in 2020 about Gavel's story. He retired in 2021.

Term Extension

In November 2018, it was announced that Paul de Jersey's term as Governor would be extended. He stayed on until July 29, 2021. In June 2021, his term was extended again until November 2021. This allowed Jeannette Young, his successor, to focus on her important work as Chief Health Officer during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout before becoming Governor.

After Being Governor

In 2022, Paul de Jersey was appointed as a judge for the Court of Appeal of Tonga. This shows his continued dedication to law.

Personal Life and Family

Paul de Jersey married Kaye Brown in 1971. They have three children and three grandchildren. In 2025, Kaye de Jersey received the Medal of the Order of Australia. This award was for her service to the Crown and the community of Queensland.

Awards and Honours

Viceregal styles of Paul de Jersey (2014–Present)
Reference style	His Excellency the Honourable
Spoken style	Your Excellency

As Governor, Paul de Jersey had a special title. It was: His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey, Companion of the Order of Australia, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Knight of Grace of the Order of St John, King's Counsel, Governor of the State of Queensland in the Commonwealth of Australia.

He has received several important awards:

	Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)	12 June 2000
	Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)	12 June 2021
	Knight of Grace of the Order of St John	19 November 2014
	Centenary Medal	2003
	Australian Defence Medal

He is also a Life Member of the Bar Association of Queensland.

Honorary Degrees

Paul de Jersey has received special honorary degrees from several universities:

• 2000: Honorary Doctorate from the University of Queensland.
• 2008: Honorary Doctorate from the University of Southern Queensland.
• 2014: Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University.