Outgoing solicitor-general Walter Sofronoff says A-G Jarrod Bleijie cannot be trusted

Updated

Outgoing solicitor-general Walter Sofronoff has slammed Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie, saying he cannot be trusted and the public should be alarmed by his behaviour.

In a letter obtained by the ABC, Mr Sofronoff says Mr Bleijie is in breach of his duties by publicly revealing confidential discussions with the president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Margaret McMurdo.

Last Friday, Justice McMurdo delivered a speech criticising Mr Bleijie for only choosing one woman in 17 appointments to judicial office in the past two years.

On Sunday, Mr Bleijie said Justice McMurdo had recommended men, including her husband, for recent appointments.

Yesterday Mr Bleijie defended his comments about Justice McMurdo.

Bleijie's behaviour has 'hint of nasty schoolboy's snicker in it'

Mr Sofronoff says in his letter it is now impossible for anybody to offer Mr Bleijie honest and candid advice in confidence.

He says Mr Bleijie has shown he is prepared to betray a confidence and Queensland deserves much better from its first law officer.

"It is not just startling, but it is also a matter for public alarm that the Attorney General believes that it is permissible to reveal what he claims to be part of his confidential consultation with the president of the Court of Appeal," Mr Sofronoff said.

"That he would have done so under any circumstances at all short of legal compulsion is shocking.

"That he has done so for personal and momentary political gain by attacking a respected servant of the public is unacceptable.

"What is most unfortunate, [Mr Bleijie's] conduct has the hint of a nasty schoolboy's snicker in it."

Mr Bleijie has described Mr Sofronoff's criticisms of him as "unfortunate and disappointing".

He has defended his actions, saying he felt compelled to correct the public record.

"Particularly in this case where a speech was made that called into question the appointment process," he said.

Mr Bleijie has defended his credibility and insists he can be trusted

"Yes, absolutely - I think it's important to get on the record the appointment process is transparent and all of those heads of jurisdiction have involvement in it," he said.

Mr Bleijie says he remains one of Mr Sofronoff's biggest fans for his work for the Government, which includes advice on the controversial anti-bikie laws.

Call for Premier to sack Bleijie

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk has called for Mr Bleijie to be sacked or resign.

She has called on Premier Campbell Newman to act.

"Never in my life have I seen comments like this before - it is extraordinary," she said.

"The way Jarrod Bleijie has behaved is disgraceful and it is juvenile and it is petty.

"This is not becoming of the first law officer of this state.

"Today the Attorney-General must resign or Campbell Newman must step in and sack him.

"His position is now untenable and he must go."

Topics: public-sector, judges-and-legal-profession, brisbane-4000

First posted