Peter Russo

Labor candidate for the seat of Sunnybank is well-known Brisbane solicitor Peter Russo ... Driven into politics by the Newman government's assault on criminal defendants and the independence of the judiciary ... Russo is on Justinian's Couch discussing important things, like food, the use of breath fresheners and the contents of his bedside table  

Peter Russo: Catania markets in Sicily

PETER Russo is the Brisbane solicitor who acted for Dr Mohamed Haneef, falsely accused by the Howard government of aiding terrorists. Former speaker Peter Slipper is another of his clients. 

Now that law and justice in Queensland have moved into the twilight zone, Russo has entered the political fray as a Labor candidate at the next state election. 

Born in North Queensland (Cowboys country) he grew up in Ingham, the eldest of six children. His father emigrated to Australia from Giarre in Sicily at the age of eight. 

Peter Russo worked as a labourer and later a public servant in the Justice Department before becoming a lawyer and defender of the "misunderstood". 

He's the father of four and married to barrister Kerri Mellifont.

We've dragged him off his bicycle and onto Justinian's Couch, where he's a bit puffed and still in lycra.  

Describe yourself in three words.

An unmade bed. 

What are you currently reading? 

"The Wolf of Wall Street."  

What's your favourite film?

"The Godfather." 

Who has been the most influential person in your life? 

My Mum. 

What is your favourite piece of music?

Sex and Gasoline - Rodney Crowell. 

What is in your refrigerator? 

Food - but only the boring stuff. I ate the good stuff. 

What is your favourite website?

Steel Vintage Bikes. 

What do you recommend as a hangover cure?

Can of Coke and a Mars Bar. 

What is on your bedside table?

Lamp, books, and a stack of mobile phone chargers. 

Why did you want to be a lawyer? 

I fell into it by accident.   

If you hadn't gone into the law, what would you most like to be doing? 

A carpenter.

What was the most important opportunity you didn't take? 

Doing personal injury law. 

Why do you want to be elected to the Queensland Parliament? 

To make a difference. It's like living in a parallel universe in Queensland at the moment. 

What will you do if you get there? 

Work hard. 

What has been your most memorable case? 

Dr Mohamed Haneef. 

If you were on death row, what would you request for your last meal?  

Spaghetti bolognaise and crumbed veal, followed by sliced mango with Galliano and vanilla ice cream - from Machiavelli's in Sydney.  

If you were a foodstuff, what would you be?

Lemon Meringue Pie. 

Who do you most admire professionally?

Mark Dreyfus QC MP.  

On what occasions would you use a breath-freshener?

Only when instructing counsel I like. 

What would you change about Australia?

Let's all be a little kinder to each other.

What would your epitaph say?

An unmade bed finally tucked-in.   

What comes into your mind when you shut your eyes and think of the word "law"? 

Right at this moment, four letter words not printable here.