One of Queensland's best known racing and legal identities Judge Bill Carter has died aged 84.

Judge Carter was the inaugural head of the Racing Disciplinary Board and was chairman of the first Racing Appeals Authority.

He was a long time member of the Queensland Turf Club and later the Brisbane Racing Club.

Judge Carter filled many other roles in racing circles from owner to advocate for jockeys and trainers facing racing disciplinary charges.

He was a regular racegoer until recent weeks when ill health took its toll.

All Racing Codes chairman Kevin Dixon said Judge Carter had the respect of the entire racing industry and had been dedicated to serving it.

Racing Minister Steve Dickson said had worked tirelessly towards the betterment of racing in Queensland.

Judge Carter was born at Goondiwindi in southern Queensland and after completing his secondary education at Downlands College, in Toowoomba, he studied dentistry and commerce.

He then switched to law and gained his Bachelor of Laws in 1959.

While studying Judge Carter worked as a clerk at the Queensland Public Service (1953-59) and a legal officer at the Crown Law Office from 1960-62.

He was admitted as a barrister and practised at the bar in both Townsville (1962-73) and Brisbane (1974-79), before being appointed as a Queen's Counsel in 1978.

Judge Carter was appointed a District Court judge in 1980 and then in 1983 as a Supreme Court Justice.

He retired in 1990 aged 60 but was never far from public office.

His legal career saw him president of the Queensland Community Corrections Board, chairperson of the Police Complaints Tribunal, chairperson of the Mount Olivet Hospital Board Brisbane, a member of the council of the Australian Institute of Judicial Administration, a member of the council of the North Brisbane College of Advanced Education, chairperson of the Catholic Social Welfare Commission (1980-84), chairperson of the Prostitution Licensing Authority and chairperson of the Police Education Advisory Council.

In retirement, Judge Carter was appointed to conduct a series of Commissions of inquiry, including the Commission of inquiry into the Psychiatric Unit of Townsville General Hospital, the Royal Commission inquiring into alleged political bribery in Tasmania, the Commission of inquiry into Operation Trident, the Commission of inquiry into the selection of the jury for the trial of Sir Johannes Bjelke-Petersen and a Commission of inquiry into police involvement in the drug trade (1996-97).

He is survived by his wife Anne, four children and grandchildren.