Justice Thomas Bradley will be Queensland’s next Governor and is believed to be the first gay person, who has publicly shared their sexuality, to be appointed to the role.
Raised in Cairns, the respected legal practitioner was admitted as a barrister in 2000 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013. His career included service as a member of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and he also lectured in law at several institutions.
Justice Bradley has served in a number of community leadership roles, including as Chair of the Brisbane Festival Giving Committee, an ambassador for the Pinnacle Foundation and a member of the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation Committee.
In 2018, he was appointed to the trial division of Queensland’s Supreme Court and, in 2025, was appointed to the Court of Appeal, where he currently serves.
Justice Thomas Bradley will succeed Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young on 1 November 2026, when he is sworn in as Governor.
Premier David Crisafulli said Justice Bradley would proudly serve Queensland as its 28th Governor.
“Justice Bradley has had a distinguished legal career in service of our state and will bring experience and honour to his appointment as Queensland’s Governor,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Born in Far North Queensland, Justice Bradley understands the unique challenges of our decentralised state and will help unify Queenslanders through our shared experiences.
“As he has throughout his career, he will help shine a light on the important work of Queenslanders and communities.
“Queensland thanks Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Young for her years of service to our state.”
Justice Bradley said it was an honour to be appointed as the state’s 28th Governor.
“It is a tremendous honour to serve in this office. I look forward to meeting as many Queenslanders as possible across our state,” Justice Bradley said.
“Advocacy for and patronage of a diverse range of Queensland groups is integral to the role and I share the goals of my predecessors to carry out constitutional responsibilities with dignity, fairness and a commitment to the rule of law.
“I call to mind all we have in common as Queenslanders: the joy we share in each other’s successes and the comfort we give in each other’s sorrows. I am reminded that, in communities large and small, we are part of a common endeavour.”
Pinnacle Foundation chief executive Andrew Staite said the organisation was “absolutely thrilled and delighted” by the appointment.
“His commitment is deep,” Staite told the Star Observer. “He is always willing to give freely of his time to inspire young people and help them understand that they too can aspire to be their best.”
Before taking office, Bradley said he looked forward to learning from Dr Young’s experience and hoped to seek her advice about the role.
