Other members are Catherine Geason, Michael O’Farrell, Steven Smith
Guy Barnett, Tasmania’s attorney-general and justice minister, has announced the Tasmanian government’s establishment of the Judicial Council of Tasmania, which is now open to receiving complaints with the commencement of the Judicial Commissions Act 2024 on 1 July 2026.
In a news release, the state government explained that the new council seeks to offer a contemporary framework and an independent, transparent, clear, and accessible process for receiving, managing, and examining complaints regarding judicial officers.
The Tasmanian government noted that the new council aims to help:
In a prior news release, Barnett called the launch of the new council a milestone and a historic event.
“The formation of the Judicial Council will establish a robust system to provide all participants in the legal system with the opportunity to raise concerns, strengthening confidence in the integrity of the justice system in Tasmania,” Barnett said.
According to the news release, Christopher Shanahan, the state’s chief justice, heads the Judicial Council. The other members overseeing the new council’s work include:
Barnett explained that the council can refer a complaint and appoint a judicial commission to continue investigating such a complaint.
In September 2024, the Tasmanian government announced the introduction of the Judicial Commissions Bill 2024.
In a previous news release, Barnett noted that other jurisdictions in Australia and abroad have implemented judicial commissions.
“The Bill establishes a fair, efficient and transparent process for gathering information and appropriately handling complaints in relation to judicial officers in Tasmania,” Barnett said. “The framework in this Bill will operate in addition to, not instead of, existing avenues for the suspension or removal of judicial officers.
Barnett expressed gratitude to every person and organisation that devoted efforts to providing input on the bill. Barnett also thanked the Tasmanian Justice Forum members for helping design the legislative framework.
“Community and stakeholder feedback has been invaluable to ensure we get the balance right,” Barnett said.
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