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 on 21 September 1948, is an important Australian. He served as the 26th Governor of Queensland from 2014 to 2021. Before that, he was the Chief Justice of Queensland for many years, from 1998 to 2014.

Early Life and Education

Paul de Jersey went to Anglican Church Grammar School from 1961 to 1965. After that, 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 from 1966 to 1971. He became an officer in the army in 1969.

His Legal Career

Paul de Jersey started working as a lawyer in Queensland in 1971. He was only 23 years old. By 1981, when he was 33, he became a Queen's Counsel. This is a special title for experienced lawyers.

He worked on business law cases. He also appeared in important constitutional cases. These cases were heard in Australia's highest court, the High Court.

In 1985, at age 36, he became a judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland. He handled commercial cases from 1986 to 1989. He also led the Law Reform Commission of Queensland from 1996 to 1997. This group helps improve laws.

Paul de Jersey became the Chief Justice of Queensland on 17 February 1998. He was 40 years old, making him one of the youngest Chief Justices in Queensland's history. He also helped lead the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane since 1991.

He was involved with many health organizations. He was president of the Australian Cancer Society from 1998 to 2001. He also chaired the Queensland Cancer Fund. This organization is now known as the Cancer Council Queensland.

Becoming Governor of Queensland

Paul de Jersey became the 26th Governor of Queensland on 29 July 2014. The Governor is the King's representative in the state. They have important duties like approving laws and opening Parliament.

When the Governor of Victoria 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 needed.

In 2017, a German Shepherd dog named Gavel became the Governor's special dog. Gavel was too friendly to be a police dog. A children's book was even written about Gavel in 2020. Gavel retired in 2021.

Paul de Jersey's term as Governor was extended until November 2021. This allowed his successor, Jeannette Young, to focus on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Personal Life

Paul de Jersey married Kaye Brown in 1971. They have three children and three grandchildren.

Awards and Honours

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

Paul de Jersey has received several important awards for his service:

	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 also holds honorary doctorates from several universities in Queensland.