Compensation Law
Compensation Law
Includes personal compensation claims, superannuation claims and professional negligence claims.
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Family Law
Family Law
Includes separation, divorce, property settlements, children and domestic violence.
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Wills & Estates
Wills & Estates
Includes Estate Administration, Estate Litigation and Estate Planning.
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Property, Development & Leasing Law
Property, Development & Leasing Law
Includes property, body corporate, land subdivisions, unit developments, mortgages, securities, rural and town planning matters.
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Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Our criminal lawyers will assist with traffic offences, domestic violence and white-collar crimes.
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Conveyancing
Conveyancing
Includes residential sales and purchases
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Business Services & Employment Law
Business Services & Employment Law
Business and commercial law including business sales and acquisitions, leasing, employment and industrial relations law, maritime law, PPSA matters, company incorporations and trust establishments.
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Commercial Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Includes debt recovery, business disputes, building and construction, insolvency, environmental offences and town planning appeals.
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Leading Lawyers Townsville
Sometimes, all you need is a fresh perspective. Connolly Suthers are North Queensland’s most experienced and qualified law firm. Established in 1895 with a foundation of leading Townsville lawyers, Connolly Suthers has since become one of North Queensland’s largest, most diverse, and dynamic firms.
Employing a range of expert Queensland lawyers who offer specialist legal advice, Connolly Suthers comprises a team of individual talents working under collective energy. Originating from Townsville Connolly Suthers deliver Queensland’s highest standards of legal help, advice, and services.
We work under the belief that strong reputations don't go unnoticed, and this is why our firm has continued to successfully service the legal needs of North Queenslanders for over 130 years. Work with a law firm that understands you and prioritises your needs – work with Connolly Suthers.
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Discretionary Trusts & Rights of Beneficiaries
Is a beneficiary of a Trust entitled to legally privileged trust documents? When presented with this question many good lawyers would at first glance and without thinking it through probably answer “Good question…. The answer is “no”. Others lawyers that are more battled wearied may answer it with a question “Who would win a fight between a lion and a tiger?” which is another way of saying that old chestnut “it depends”. There is no question that nearly all trustees will not want to release anything at all to a beneficiary (particularly if they are estranged, troublesome, and up to no good). The Beneficiaries – who are they? Beneficiaries (commonly in the modern commercial world and in the context of disputes regarding deceased estates) can include:- discretionary (primary and wider beneficiaries) of discretionary trusts; children of members of super funds (they are potential recipients of a death benefit payment – this extends to spouses and those in interdependency relationships – it can also extend to extramarital partners and de facto partners of married members); What documents might a Beneficiary want to see? Often they want to see if any mistakes have been made by a Trustee along the way (to assist them to mount or improve a claim). They will want anything they can get their hands on including:- Financial Statements; Investment Strategies and Trustee Minutes; Investment Advice; Deeds of Variation and Appointment of New Trustee (the full document trail); Pension Documents. Generally, there are two different types of information: trustee information, being information generated or held for the purposes of a trust, and which a trustee would be required to hand over to a replacement trustee; personal information, being information held by a trustee relating to a trust which is personal to the trustee, and paid for by the trustee. There are three ways for a beneficiary of the trust obtaining this information:- the Trustee willingly discloses the information; a superior court (using its inherent jurisdiction) orders it be disclosed; or when litigation is on foot, the documents are disclosed as part of the court disclosure rules. The first category of documents (trustee information) is vulnerable to being disclosed to beneficiaries. The second category (personal information) on the other hand is not, but it may be relevant to issues in litigation and therefore be required to be disclosed in accordance with disclosure rules in the course of the litigation. For both categories, a Trustee may be able to claim privilege to resist disclosure of documents. In the recent New Zealand case of Lambie Trustee Ltd v Addleman https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases/2021/2021-NZSC-54.pdf it was found that all advice in issue in the proceedings was covered by legal professional privilege so that, against non-beneficiaries, the Trustee was entitled to assert privilege. Importantly though, the Court confirmed that a trustee is not entitled to privilege against a beneficiary of the trust in respect of advice on issues in which the trustee and beneficiary have a joint interest. In this case, the Court found that the Trustee and the Beneficiary had a joint interest in the administration of the Trust and therefore Trustee could not claim privilege in relation to the legal advice obtained by the Trust regarding its administration. If there is bitterly fought out litigation between the Trustee and the beneficiary the position is different. The court said:- “What is required for the joint interest exception not to apply is that the advice be sought for the dominant purpose of defending litigation. Given the obligations of a trustee to act appropriately and in the interests of the trust as a whole, the starting point for the courts should be the assumption that trustees seeking advice in respect of contemplated litigation are looking for guidance as to the right course of action (in respect of which the joint interest exception will apply). And the courts can expect trustees not to seek advice as to how to resist litigation without having first sought advice (to which the joint interest exception will apply) as to the appropriate stance to take on the point at issue.” “The authorities generally support the view that once a beneficiary commences litigation concerning the administration of a trust, the litigating beneficiary is not entitled to disclosure of legal advice received by the trustees in relation to that litigation. The judgments on the point tend to be succinctly expressed but they must proceed on the basis that, from that point, the beneficiary and trustees no longer have a joint interest in the subject matter of the litigation.” To summarise, once litigation had commenced, the trustee and the beneficiary were in competing positions so the “joint interest exception” to privilege would not apply. Beneficiaries and trustees share a joint interest in the due administration of a trust and therefore in legal advice as to that administration. A trustee is not entitled to assert privilege against a beneficiary in respect of advice on issues in which the trustee and beneficiary have a joint interest. Trustees (who must act in good faith at all times) should assume that all trustee information could be disclosed to beneficiaries unless it is created when there is contentious litigation between the trustee and the beneficiary and is for the dominant purpose of that litigation. The same principles discussed in the Lambie Case apply and similar results can be expected in Australia. If you would like assistance with any of the above information, please contact our Wills and Estates team via (07) 4771 5664.
Proposed changes to Queensland Domestic Violence Law: What do these new changes mean?
Over the past five (5) years there has been considerable changes to the Domestic Violence Laws in Queensland. These changes have included significant changes such as allowing the Court to only consider making a cross-order in the most exceptional of circumstances; ensuring that perpetrators of domestic violence are held to account and victims are provided with protection. Further significant changes to Queensland’s Domestic Violence laws are on the way and they pose a significant change to how these matters are now considered by both the Police and the Courts. On 30 April 2025, the Minister for Domestic and Family Violence in the Queensland Government introduced the Domestic and Family Violence Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 which proposes significant changes to the Domestic Violence regime in Queensland. One of the most notable changes is the adoption of the Tasmanian approach by giving Police the power to impose on the spot protection orders, known as Police Protection Direction (PPD’s). This direction is an order which is made by police immediately to alleged domestic violence offenders, for twelve months, without the need to go to Court. Video Recorded Evidence Some of the other significant changes to the law include the expansion of the Video Recorded Evidence in Chief pilot program as state-wide law. At present the current pilot program applies in Ipswich, Southport, and Coolangatta Magistrates Court however the new Bill proposed will expand this practice to Magistrates Courts throughout Queensland. This provision is an expansion of the Evidence Act 1977 (Qld) and allows adult complainants in domestic violence criminal proceedings to give evidence in chief by a video recorded statement. Electronic Monitoring Devices Another new change to the legislation is the inclusion of electronic monitoring of high risk domestic violence offenders. This allows the Court to impose as … Police Protection Directions (PPD) In Queensland the current practice to obtain a Domestic Violence Order requires a person to either prepare and lodge a private application for a protection order, or through a police investigation where an application is sought on behalf of an aggrieved by a Police Officer. A Magistrate will then consider the merits of the application and determine whether or not a final order should be made. This new regime will grant Police the power to issue a PPD Direction when a Police Officer considers that it is appropriate for a matter to not proceed to Court and instead be finalised with an initial PPD. This approach has been in practice in other states such as Tasmania where an authorised officer may issue a Police Family Violence Order (PFVO) for twelve months avoiding the need to obtain a protection order from a Court. This approach to obtain a protection order without the need for a Court to consider the application is a significant change to the current Domestic Violence Laws. One of the main concerns in this approach is the risk of victims being incorrectly identified. When is a PPD not appropriate? To ensure that this risk is significantly minimised the legislation includes a safeguard to prevent misidentification from occurring. The Act achieves this by ensuring that there are certain circumstances in which a protection order can only be considered by the Court. According to Section 100C of the Bill, a PPD will not be available in the following conditions:- Where the Respondent or Aggrieved are identified as a Child; Where the Respondent or Aggrieved are a Police Officer; Where a DVO will recognise interstate orders relating to the parties as enforced or has previously been enforced; Where there is already a PPD against a respondent in force or has been in force; Where the Respondent has been convicted of a domestic violence offence within the previous two (2) years; Where a proceeding for a Domestic Violence offence against the Respondent has started but has not been disposed of; Where an application for a protection order against the respondent has been made but not dealt with, meaning an ongoing protection order; Where the Respondent has used, or threatened to use, an offensive weapon or instrument to commit the relevant domestic violence; and; That in relation to the domestic violence, there are indications that both persons are in need of protection and the person who is most in need of protection cannot be identified – meaning cross-application circumstances. Process for Police to obtain a PPD For an officer to obtain a PPD, they must seek approval from a supervising officer. For a PPD which includes a cool-down condition, the appropriate rank of the supervising officer to consider this must be a Sergeant. When an officer is seeking to obtain a PPD which includes an ouster condition or a no contact condition, they must obtain approval from the supervising officer of at least a Senior Sergeant. Can PPD’s be reviewed or challenged? Under the proposed Bill, there are mechanisms in which these immediate orders can be reviewed. Firstly, there is an ability for Police to review the decision to issue a PPD which is done under section 100T of the Act. This is done where an officer will review their decision if the officer becomes aware of circumstances or reasonably believes there are circumstances that were not known of or considered when the PPD was issued. The Aggrieved, Respondent, and an authorised person on behalf of the Aggrieved and the named person may also apply for a police review of a PPD. This must be done within 28 days of the PDD. Secondly, the Court has the ability to review the decision of whether to issue a PPD. Section 100Z of the Act states that at any time while a police protection direction is in force a person can apply to the Magistrates Court for a review of the direction. When the Court is considering the review of the PPD, this process is not an appeal meaning that the decision from the Magistrate can be ultimately reviewed on an appeal to the superior Court. The Court will consider an application to review the PPD to determine whether or not it is necessary or desirable for the PPD to be made. This consideration is only whether it is necessary or desirable at the time of the review, not at the time the Police issued the PPD. The Court ultimately has the power to set aside the PPD or decide to dismiss the application for a protection notice as a whole. Is this a positive step? The current Domestic Violence regime allows the Court to solely decide applications and whether they should continue. The proposed Bill identifies a streamline approach for Police to be better equipped in handling the high volume of Domestic Violence Cases. This is a positive step in ensuring that victims of domestic violence are protected and perpetrators are held to account. Despite its good intentions, there are concerns about the practicality of the system. The making of a protection order is not a criminal offence, however it can have a significant impact in a professional capacity such as affecting the ability to hold a relevant security clearance, explosives or weapons license (often required in some mining positions), and a working with children blue card. Domestic Violence is a complex issue in our society today, rightfully so it is a serious epidemic which needs to be addressed. At the same time, these situations are highly volatile and there is a lot at stake in these matters. Police have an unenviable position in trying to split the baby with the bath water in identifying domestic violence and protecting victims. The ability for Police to have an expanded role in issuing Protection Order Directions is a positive step but needs to be balanced to ensure that victims are not incorrectly identified, that orders are not made on lightly and ensure that due process is otherwise followed. If you are facing a Police Protection Direction, Police Application for a Domestic Violence Order, or are requiring assistance in obtaining a Protection Order contact our Criminal Law team today. Our team at Connolly Suthers is highly experienced in the area of Domestic Violence Law and we regularly appear in the Domestic Violence Specialist Court to assist clients in this area. A link to the Explanatory notices of the proposed legislation is here:- chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/bill.first.exp/bill-2025-024#:~:text=The%20Bill%20will%20enable%20police,not%20to%20proceed%20to%20court.
From Click to Conviction: The Law on Posting Personal Information Without Consent
Understanding implications of Section 474.17C of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) It is no surprise that we are well and truly living in the digital age of technology. We live in a time where the internet and social media play a significant role in the way we live our lives as well as improve how we do our jobs. Whether it is from posting, sharing, or tagging each other, one misguided click or ill thought social media post can now put you in position where you can face serious legal consequences. Recent changes to the Federal Criminal Law in Australia, sharing a person’s personal information online without their consent, despite whether or not the content is truthful, can constitute a Commonwealth Criminal Offence. Section 474.17C of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) criminalises the use of a carriage service (such as the internet, phone, or social media) to make available or publish the personal data of a person in a way that is either menacing, harassing, or offensive. This new criminal offence is the Australian Government’s response to the modern practice of ‘doxing’ which is when a person publicly shares someone’s personal details to shame, intimidate or endanger them. When and Why was this passed? Section 474.17C was included in the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, which was a Bill designed by Parliament to introduce a range of measures to protect the privacy of individuals with respect to private and personal information. The Bill expands the Information Commissioner’s powers and, in the context of Criminal Law, to create offences targeting the release of personal data using a carriage service in a manner which would be menacing or harassing. The Minister responsible for the bill in his second reading speech, outlined the growing risks posed by people misusing digital platforms to expose or endanger others, often in a context of domestic disputes. The law is said to fill in the gap where there is no existing offence which deals with the public disclosure of personal information with an intent to harm. What does the offence Criminalise? Under the new provision, a person commits an offence if they:- Use a carriage service (e.g., phone, text, email, social media), To make available, publish, or transmit personal information of one or more individuals, Without the consent of those individuals, In a way that a reasonable person would regard as menacing, harassing, or offensive. Key points are as follows:- Personal information can include names, addresses, phone numbers, workplace details, and more.There is no constraint of the type of the information. The law does not require the information to be true or false, meaning that there is no requirement as to the veracity of the post rather the intention behind it. The offence primarily focuses on the intent and impact of the post and whether the act could cause fear, distress, or reputational harm. The key mental element is that of recklessness and whether you had an awareness that there was a substantial risk that what you post could be regarded as menacing, or harassing despite being aware of the risk. Who can be affected? It is important to note that because it involves a ‘reasonable person’ test there will be a wide disagreement between people as to what will be expected when it comes to privacy and publication of personal information. The rationale behind this offence creates problematic scenarios of what may or may not be criminal conduct because it has a broad application across both personal and professional settings. Conduct may include:- An ex-partner posting someone’s private address online. A former employee leaking client or staff details on social media. A social media user naming and shaming someone in a viral post with identifying details. Even if there is no financial motive, the emotional or reputational fallout—and the reckless disregard for safety—can be enough to trigger a charge. The conduct could even include that of posting information in relevant local Facebook pages identifying someone for an alleged act or conduct. Summary These new provisions show that regardless of what we may intend to post, ignorance will not suffice as a defence to reckless behaviour online. What might feel like a quick post in the heat of the moment could result in serious criminal charges. This new provision is a significant step in addressing inappropriate online conduct and the need to regulate it like any other form of abuse of intimidation. So before you click “post” consider whether it is worth risking a potential criminal conviction. If you have been charged with a Criminal Offence either in Queensland or a Federal Commonwealth Offence it is incredibly important that you get immediate legal advice before speaking to Police. At Connolly Suthers we have a designated Criminal Law team ready to assist you.
The Connolly Suthers Difference
At Connolly Suthers, we feel privileged to be entrusted with our client's legal affairs, helping them navigate what is often some of the most challenging times of their lives. Our diverse, talented team has considerable expertise in multiple aspects of law and channel this experience to make a substantial, positive difference in the lives of locals.
We believe that your lawyer should have a significant understanding of how Townsville operates and its underlying cultural systems to provide the most genuine, useful legal advice possible. That’s why we frequently employ experienced legal professionals locally from within North Queensland, possessing a proud history of employing law graduates from James Cook University. Not only does this allow us to give back to the local community, but it only boosts our ability to deliver the most relevant and beneficial legal advice possible.
Our genuine care for the wellbeing of our clients and attention to detail in every case is what sets us apart from other law firms in Queensland. From criminal law to personal injury law, family disputes, property settlements, child custody, and traffic offences, we'll be in your corner, every step of the legal process. If you’re looking for legal support in Townsville, we’re here to make a positive difference in as many lives as possible. Call Connolly Suthers on 07 4771 5664 to get help today.
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Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
What legal services do Connolly Suthers offer?
We operate across a range of legal matters including compensation, family, wills & estates, property, conveyancing, business, dispute resolution and criminal law; helping a variety of clients across Queensland to navigate the legal system.
It’s highly likely that you’ll need the services of a lawyer at least once in your lifetime. When you turn to Connolly Suthers for legal assistance, you can be confident that you’ll receive quality legal advice with a personal touch, regardless of which service you require. Our criminal lawyers, family lawyers, and compensation solicitors are here to help with the most common types of legal problems faced in these areas of concern.
Whether you're facing criminal offences, are dealing with a family law matter, looking to file compensation claims, have traffic offences, a domestic violence order, class actions, or just require an experienced team to assure a successful legal outcome, we can provide specialised advice for a wide range of concerns and legal issues.
Whatever type of legal assistance you need, we’re sure to be able to help. At Connolly Suthers, we have considerable experience and knowledge in all aspects of compensation law, family law, wills and estates, property law, criminal law, conveyancing, business services and dispute resolution.
We have Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialists in Property Law, Succession Law, Family law and Personal Injuries Litigation. Combining extensively trained and experienced legal practitioners with state-of-the-art communications and technology, Connolly Suthers delivers an unrivalled level of legal service in the Northern Queensland region. Get in touch with our team today - we're here to provide legal advice for a wide range of legal matters.
Do you offer No-Win, No-Fee?
Yes we offer no-win, no-fee services because we believe that nobody should be denied justice as a result of limited finances. We offer no-win, no-fee services in a range of matters including:
- Traffic accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Public liability accidents
- Medical negligence claims
- Life insurance claims
- Superannuation claims
- Certain commercial disputes
With Connolly Suthers Townsville Lawyers, you get the legal representation that you deserve without the worry of paying legal costs in the event that you lose your case. Our compassionate, friendly team understand the value of excellent service when facing a legal problem and a difficult time. Work with the solicitors that understand you and prioritise your needs – work with Connolly Suthers.
How much does representation with Connolly Suthers cost?
All Connolly Suthers clients receive the absolute highest level of quality legal representation and advice available in the region. Generally the cost of our legal services will vary based on the time required for our legal team to work on your case and the extent of the case as a whole, unless it is one of our fixed-fee services.
Regardless, we believe that nobody should be denied justice as a result of limited finances and that’s why we offer no-win, no-fee services in a range of matters including:
- Traffic accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Public liability accidents
- Medical negligence claims
- Life insurance claims
- Superannuation claims
- Certain commercial disputes
With Connolly Suthers Townsville Lawyers, you get the legal representation that you deserve without the worry of paying legal costs in the event that you lose your case. Work with the lawyers that understand you and prioritise your needs – Connolly Suthers.
How do you charge? Will I need to pay upfront? What are your prices like?
Most legal services are charged in accordance with a costs agreement which is provided to you at the commencement of the matter. Usually this must be signed and returned before any work is completed. This includes work done in most areas such as family law, personal injury, large commercial and leasing work, criminal law and estate administration. From your first phone call, your family lawyer, criminal lawyer, personal injury or estate solicitors can walk you through these fees work.
There are fixed price services available for basic conveyancing, wills and enduring powers of attorney. No nasty surprises - just a team who are committed to the best outcome. Please contact our office for more information about these services.
Do you offer payment plans?
Generally, no. However, you should feel free to discuss your financial situation with the solicitor involved with your case, at your initial appointment at Connolly Suthers. We understand that moving through the legal system can get expensive - from your first phone call, our compassionate team will openly discuss fees and work in your best interests, in a timely manner, to achieve a positive outcome.
Do you certify documents? Do you have JPs available?
We usually only certify documents for clients of Connolly Suthers or in the course of matters in which we are involved. If you are looking to find a JP you can search for one here.
Do you hold relatives' documents in safe custody? What can you hold in safe custody?
For client's of Connolly Suthers we offer the service of storing in our safe custody original Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Certificates of Title, etc.
How are you involved with the Townsville Community?
The partners and staff of Connolly Suthers have long-standing ties throughout the local community. Over a large number of years we have supported various clubs and sporting teams in Townsville and in the Burdekin. We are regular supporters of Ronald McDonald House and the Vinnies foundation.
Find out more about our contributions to the local community here.
How do I contact Connolly Suthers?
You can call our Townsville QLD office on 07 4771 5664 during business hours.
Alternatively, submit an email enquiry to law@cosu.com.au and the Connolly Suthers team will endeavour to respond to your enquiry within one business day.
Where are your other offices located?
Our offices are located at 416 Flinders Street, Townsville and 180 Queen Street, Ayr.
We visit Cairns, Brisbane and Mount Isa as well as other regions throughout North Queensland by appointment.