Paul de Jersey

Paul de Jersey, (born 21 September 1948) is an Australian jurist who served as the 26th Governor of Queensland, from July 2014 to November 2021. He was previously the 17th Chief Justice of Queensland from 1998 to 2014.

Education De Jersey spent his childhood in Longreach in rural Queensland and was educated at the Anglican Church Grammar School (1961–1965). He studied at the University of Queensland, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours in 1971. He was part of the Queensland University Regiment from 1966 to 1971 and was commissioned in 1969.

Career De Jersey practiced law in Queensland and was called to the Queensland Bar in 1971, at the age of 23. At 33, he took silk as a Queen's Counsel, in 1981.

At the Bar, De Jersey practiced in the commercial field; appeared in constitutional cases before the High Court of Australia, and also appeared before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. He was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1985, at the age of 36, and was the commercial causes judge between 1986 and 1989.

Governor of Queensland De Jersey was appointed the 26th Governor of Queensland on 29 July 2014.

In 2017 a German Shepherd named Gavel was appointed as the viceregal dog of the governor, after failing to become a police dog due to a too friendly temperament. A children's picture book was released in 2020 about his story, which was followed by his retirement in 2021.

In November 2018, it was announced that De Jersey's original term had been extended by two years through to 29 July 2021. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk noted De Jersey "has undertaken an extensive program of community engagements and regional travel, ensuring that as many Queenslanders as possible have had the opportunity to see and meet him".

Post-viceregal career In 2022, De Jersey was appointed a judge of the Court of Appeal of Tonga.

Personal life De Jersey married Kaye Brown in 1971. Together they have three children and three grandchildren. Kaye was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for "service to the Crown and to the community of Queensland".

Titles, styles, and honours

De Jersey's style and title as governor in full 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, Queen's Counsel, Governor of the State of Queensland in the Commonwealth of Australia.

As Administrator: 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, Queen's Counsel, Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Scouts Australia 28 July 2014 – 1 November 2021: Chief Scout of Scouts Australia QLD 17 December 2014 – 1 November 2021: Honorary Air Commodore of No. 23 Squadron RAAF