Long fight for justice recognised
LINDA Mason and her legal team have been awarded the prestigious Australian Lawyers Alliance 2019 Queensland Civil Justice Award.
Ms Mason and her lawyers Leanne McDonald, of Shine Lawyers, and barrister Clem van der Weegen have been awarded the CJA for their unwavering commitment to the Annette Mason case.
Fifteen-year-old Annette Mason was found bludgeoned to death in her Anzac Ave house in Toowoomba in November 1989 after a night out with friends.
No-one has ever been charged with her murder and a third coronial inquiry into her death is due to wrap up in Brisbane later this year.
Ms Mason’s older sister Linda Mason has fought a long battle for justice for her sister since her death in 1989.
Lawyer Leanne McDonald said Linda’s dedication and knowledge of the case was inspirational.
“Linda’s role has been so vital,” Ms McDonald told The Chronicle.
“She knows it all.
“She keeps notes all through the inquest and we check in with her after each witness. “She just knows everything. “I keep saying to Linda ‘when are you going to do you law degree?’.”
Ms McDonald grew up in Toowoomba and was already very familiar with the Annette Mason case before becoming involved in the legal side of the matter.
“My school bus used to go past her (Annette’s) house.
“It’s good to be able to help the community a bit with this.”
Ms McDonald and barrister Clem van de Weegen have been working the Annette Mason case on a pro bono basis receiving no fee and working mostly in their spare time.
“That shows the passion of the team,” she said.
“And Linda has been an integral part of the legal team. She hasn’t sat back. Obviously, the award is great but the cherry on top will be to get a result (from the inquest) and see someone convicted.”