Queensland magistrates want to be known as judges.

It follows a decision in the Northern Territory.

But the Attorney-General says there are no plans to change the title.

Lewis Wiseman reports.

TRANSCRIPT

It’s Queensland’s busiest court.

Magistrates handle more than 216,000 cases a year, and after a decision from the Northern Territory’s Lower Court to make magistrates judges, Queensland magistrates want the same.

Ray Rinaudo, Queensland Chief Magistrate: “There’s no reason why our titles should be different in this day and age, it’s a natural progression.”

But there are concerns it is more than just a name change.

Ray Rinaudo, Queensland Chief Magistrate: “It’s perceived that if they were called judges, they would want the same entitlements. And one of those most significant entitlements a judge gets that a magistrate doesn’t is a life pension.”

But the Attorney-General says there are no plans to adopt the Northern Territory ruling.

Yvette D’Ath, Attorney-General: “It is about having complete faith in our government and I will work with our judiciary to do that.”

In New Zealand, Canada and England, magistrates have been called judges for many years.

Some argue it is time Queensland followed suit.

Lewis Wiseman, QUT News.