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|  | | Kerry showing the Premier new roadworks at Highfields |
Kerry was elected to Parliament in 2001 and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors and Premier's Advisor on Western Queensland in July 2005.
He was sworn in as Minister for Natural Resources and Water in September 2006 and subsequently became the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland in November 2006.
As Queensland’s first Law Officer Kerry was responsible for upholding a fair and equitable justice system, accessible to all Queenslanders. While Attorney-General, Kerry oversaw many legislative reforms including a massive review of the Queensland Criminal Code, a review into the defence of Accident and Provocation and a review into the Queensland Courts, designed to make more effective use of our courts, making access to justice quicker and cheaper. He was responsible for the establishment of the new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) and for the introduction of ground breaking reform for the benefit of victims of crime.
The 2009 State Election saw Kerry retain the Toowoomba North seat but because of a reduced margin he made the decision to dedicate more time in his electorate, relinquishing his position in Cabinet.
Kerry is a passionate Toowoomba local and takes pride in representing Australia’s largest inland regional city.
Kerry was born in Toowoomba and has spent most of his working life here.
Prior to his election to Parliament Kerry was a solicitor with Shine Roche McGowan (now Shine Lawyers), he was admitted as a solicitor in 1972 after completing a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Queensland. Kerry has three adult children.
Kerry is also a Member of the Downs and South West Law Association; Queensland Law Society; Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Australian Services Union and he is a former Council Member, University of Southern Queensland. His community involvement includes immediate past and long term President Toowoomba Cricket Association (for service to the sport of cricket, Kerry was awarded an Australian Sports medal in 2000); Past Honorary Solicitor Darling Downs Rugby Union Club; Past Member Toowoomba City Council Empire Theatre Committee; past Honorary Solicitor Queensland Country Cricket Association and is a member of the Toowoomba Turf Club and Brisbane Racing Club. His interests include Australian and political history, cricket, bike riding and swimming.
Since April 2009, Kerry has been the Chair of the Integrity, Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee.
Kerry is currently a member of several Ministerial Legislative Committees including: the Attorney-General and Minster for Industrial Relations; Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services; Transport and Main Roads; Infrastructure and Planning.
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