Thomas Bradley Makes History as Queensland's First Openly Gay Governor

Queensland has made history with the appointment of its first openly gay Governor, as Thomas Bradley was officially sworn into office on Sunday 1 November 2026, alongside his partner, Dr Matthew Yoong.

The former Supreme Court judge becomes the Australian state's 28th Governor, taking the oath during a ceremony at Parliament House in Brisbane attended by Premier David Crisafulli and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie. His appointment represents a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Australia, placing an openly gay man in one of Queensland's most senior public offices.

A Historic First for Queensland

Bradley succeeds Dr Jeannette Young, who completed her five-year term after becoming Governor on 1 November 2021. Before taking office, Young was widely recognised for her work as Queensland's chief health officer during the Covid-19 pandemic, while her time as Governor included extensive visits to communities throughout the state.

The appointment was originally announced on 4 August, following approval from King Charles III, who accepted the recommendation of Queensland's Premier. Bradley appeared alongside his partner, Dr Matthew Yoong, during the announcement, marking an important moment of LGBTQ+ visibility in Australian public life.

Speaking about his appointment, Bradley said: "It is a tremendous honour to serve in this office. I look forward to meeting as many Queenslanders as possible across our State."

Who Is Thomas Bradley?

Born in Cairns, Queensland, Bradley was educated in Brisbane before studying law at the University of Queensland. He began practising as a barrister in 2000 and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2013, establishing a legal career spanning commercial disputes, competition law and regulatory matters.

His judicial career saw him appointed to the Supreme Court of Queensland in December 2018, before joining the Court of Appeal in March 2025. His move into the Governor's office follows decades of legal and public service, including work supporting Queensland's cultural and charitable organisations.

Outside the courtroom, Bradley has chaired the Brisbane Festival Giving Committee and served on the foundation committee of the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, supporting the state's arts and cultural communities.

His Support for LGBTQ+ Young People

Bradley's involvement with LGBTQ+ causes extends well beyond his historic appointment. Since October 2019, he has served as an ambassador for the Pinnacle Foundation, an Australian charity providing scholarships and mentoring opportunities to LGBTQIA+ young people facing educational and personal disadvantages.

He became the organisation's first Queensland-based ambassador, supporting its work to help young people access education and develop their careers regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

His appointment as Governor carries particular significance for those young people, demonstrating that LGBTQ+ Australians can occupy senior positions in public life while being open about their relationships and identities.

A New Chapter Alongside His Partner

As Governor, Bradley will represent the King in Queensland, undertaking constitutional duties alongside ceremonial and community responsibilities. The position is politically independent, with the Governor playing an important role in the state's democratic institutions.

Bradley has already outlined his commitment to carrying out those duties "with dignity, fairness, and a commitment to the rule of law", while recognising the importance of supporting communities throughout Queensland.

Reflecting on the responsibilities of his new position, he said: "I call to mind all we have in common as Queenslanders: the joy we share in each other's successes and the comfort we give in each other's sorrows."

Bradley and Dr Yoong now begin a new chapter at Government House, with the Governor expected to continue the programme of regional visits and community engagement established by his predecessor.

For LGBTQ+ Australians, the occasion marks another important step forward in public representation, with Bradley's appointment showing that being openly gay is no barrier to serving in one of the country's most distinguished constitutional roles.

Queensland's LGBTQ+ community has also celebrated other recent milestones, including Brisbane Pride awarding $94,500 to LGBTQ+ projects across the state, supporting organisations and initiatives working with local communities.