80 Years of Fighting for Queenslanders
From a one-man practice to a leading compensation law firm, our story is one of unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the rights of injured workers across Queensland.
Our Journey
Eight decades of advocacy and change
From our founding in 1944 to today, we've been at the forefront of every major workers' rights campaign in Queensland. Discover the pivotal moments that shaped our legacy and transformed compensation law forever.
Richardson Carter & Co founded
Arthur "Ted" Carter and William Richardson establish Richardson Carter & Co in Brisbane, laying the foundations of today's Carter Capner Law.
Historical Context
Brisbane had served as General Douglas MacArthur's South-West Pacific HQ earlier in the war; in 1944 Allied forces were pushing into the Philippines. World War II would end the following year on 15 August 1945 (VP Day in Australia).
Second- & third-generation Carters
By 1981, Ted, James and Peter Carter are practising together at the firm. Peter later becomes Managing Partner in 1995, leading modernisation while preserving the firm's client-first ethos.
Historical Context
Whitlam Government dismissed. Fraser becomes Prime Minister
Carter Capner & Co established
Ted Carter and Fred Capner establish Carter Capner & Co, cementing a partnership that would define the firm's identity for decades.
Historical Context
Bjelke-Petersen's National Party in Queensland power
Expanding Queensland presence
The firm broadens its reach across South-East Queensland as Brisbane hosts the 12th Commonwealth Games.
Historical Context
Brisbane hosts the 12th Commonwealth Games
Fighting for Rights
Leading successful campaigns against common law restrictions and injury thresholds, preserving crucial rights for injured Queensland workers.
- Campaign leader for "Under the Axe" initiative
- Defeated threshold proposals
- Preserved "money or the box" system
Historical Context
Goss Labor Government introduces workers' comp reforms
Building the Movement
Peter Carter founds APLA Queensland (now Australian Lawyers Alliance) and co-founds the Queensland Workers' Rights Coalition, creating lasting advocacy infrastructure.
- Founded APLA Queensland branch
- Elected foundation Queensland president
- Co-founded Workers' Rights Coalition
Historical Context
Queensland's compensation landscape is in flux in the mid-90s; after the tight 1995 election, a 1996 by-election and cross-bench support shift government later the next year.
Kennedy Commission Advocacy
Leading the fight against unfair WorkCover reforms through comprehensive submissions and strategic political engagement.
- Authored APLA submission with Rob Davis
- Appeared before Kennedy Commission
- Successfully lobbied key decision-makers
Historical Context
Pauline Hanson enters federal politics with One Nation
Setting National Standards
Peter Carter authors APLA's code of conduct and co-chairs the national conference, establishing ethical standards that continue to guide personal injury lawyers Australia-wide.
Historical Context
Howard Government introduces workplace relations reforms
National Leadership
Peter Carter serves as National President of APLA (now Australian Lawyers Alliance), leading reform efforts nationally.
- Co-founded Civil Justice Foundation
- Co-founded Tort Reform Institute
- National APLA President
Historical Context
Labour forms minority in Queensland. Waterfront dispute in Melbourne
Insurance Reform Campaigns
Leading the fight for fair insurance practices and against restrictive personal injury legislation during a national crisis.
- Founded Insurance Reform Campaign
- Campaigned against Personal Injuries Proceedings Act
- Challenged Ipp Review recommendations
- Advocated for Montréal Convention adoption
Historical Context
First Bali bombing kills 88 Australians. Insurance crisis impacts nation
Strategic Restructure
Part of the practice was sold to Slater & Gordon (effective 9 November 2008). Peter Carter retained Carter Capner Law, ensuring continued independence and client focus.
Historical Context
US banking collapses in September creates GFC panic
Incorporated Legal Practice
Transition to Incorporated Legal Practice structure, modernizing operations while maintaining our core values and commitment to clients.
Historical Context
Malaysia Airline Flight 370 disappears in Indian Ocean
75th Anniversary
Celebrating 75 years of the Carter Capner group serving Queensland with unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the rights of injured workers.
Historical Context
Queensland continues to lead in compensation law reform
Landmark Campaigns
Leading the fight for workers' rights
Throughout our history, Carter Capner Law has been at the forefront of major advocacy campaigns that have shaped Queensland's compensation landscape. Our leadership and campaigns have protected the rights of thousands of injured workers.
Workers' Compensation Protection
Led successful campaigns to defeat injury thresholds and preserve common law rights for workplace injuries.
- Defeated Goss Labor Government threshold proposals
- Preserved "money or the box" system
- Campaign leader for "Under the Axe" initiative
APLA & Workers' Rights Coalition
Founded key organizations that continue to protect injured workers' rights across Australia.
- Founded APLA Queensland branch
- Elected foundation Queensland president
- Co-founded Queensland Workers' Rights Coalition
National Reform Leadership
Peter Carter's national presidency drove systemic reforms to protect injured Australians.
- National President of APLA (now ALA)
- Co-founded Civil Justice Foundation
- Co-founded Tort Reform Institute
Insurance Crisis Response
Led national resistance to restrictive personal injury laws during insurance reform crisis.
- Founded Insurance Reform Campaign
- Challenged Ipp Review bias
- Campaigned against censorship of compensation
Kennedy Commission
Authored critical submissions and led campaigns against unfair WorkCover reforms.
- Co-wrote APLA submission with Rob Davis
- Appeared before Kennedy Commission
- Successfully lobbied Liz Cunningham
APLA Code of Conduct
Authored ethical standards that continue to guide personal injury lawyers across Australia.
- Authored APLA code of conduct for members
- Set national ethical standards
- Co-chair of 2nd annual APLA conference
Our Legacy
Building a better future
For eight decades, we've remained true to our founding purpose: ensuring every Queenslander has access to justice when they need it most. Our legacy is measured not just in years, but in lives changed and rights protected.
From 1944 to today, continuously fighting for injured Queenslanders
Three generations of the Carter family leading the fight for justice
Landmark advocacy campaigns reshaping compensation law
Unwavering dedication to fairness and workers' rights
Continue our legacy of justice
For eight decades, we've fought for Queenslanders like you. Let us bring that same dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to your compensation claim. Start your journey to justice with a free, no-obligation consultation.