Retired judge Tony Fitzgerald says members of the Newman government have threatened to keep attacking him in the media over his criticism of Queensland's new chief justice.

Mr Fitzgerald, who investigated police corruption as head of the historic Fitzgerald inquiry in the 1980s, says the threats were made this week from "within the government".

Tony Fitzgerald said threats that he would be criticized in the media came from "within the government". Credit:Tamara Voninski

He is one of many senior legal figures who have publicly criticised Tim Carmody's elevation to the top judicial position.

Critics say Justice Carmody is inexperienced and too close to the Liberal National government.