Harry Fong

 Harry is a Brisbane based barrister who was first called to the 

bar in 1979. 

Harry’s career has seen him go from working for the public 

defender’s office, the crown, the private bar, as a employed solicitor, 

a solicitor in partnership and a tilt at the senate 

I know Harry reasonably well not because of my connections in 

criminal law but because he is a good friend of my semi regular co 

host Catherine Uhr who helped me interview Harry.

.Harry talks about 

 Seniority at the bar

 Why he chose law when his mother wanted him to be a doctor

 Working for the public defenders office before the office 

merged with the legal aid commission

 Why he couldn’t finish his law degree at the University of 

Queensland and instead ultimately obtained qualifications 

through the barrister’s admission board (yes it did have 

something to do with a woman)

 Preparing briefs, taking witness statements in criminal matters 

etc as a law student at the public defenders office

 His longtime association with Clive Palmer

 Drinking wine in Mongolia (best wine ever according to Harry)

 His thoughts on the character of Joh Bjelke Petersen and 

abolition of death duties in Queensland

 How to spot dodgy written confessions during the 1970’s and 

1980’s before the Fitzgerald inquiry 

 His mother’s unexpected 10 years living in China between the 

ages of 5 and 15.

 Running for the senate in the 1990’s on a ticket “say no to 

Pauline Hanson”

 Why he ultimately did not join the Palmer United Party senate 

ticket in 2013.

 His view on China – Australia relations

There is a lot in this interview, delivered in a calm manner with a lot 

of gentle humour and wonderful reminiscences of a legal career 

spanning nearly 50 years 

If you want to connect with Harry you can contact him through my 

website. www.lorettakreet.com or alternatively on Linkedin at (25) Harry 

Fong | LinkedIn