Media Release: Change in Parliamentary Approach to Supreme Court Judge Suspension a Welcome Move
Change in Parliamentary Approach to Supreme Court Judge Suspension a Welcome Move
8 December 2023
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb MLC has welcomed the government’s decision to delay debate on its controversial Supreme Court (Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry) Bill, while seeking alternative methods of resolving the immediate matters surrounding Justice Geason.
“As an advocate for fair, due and proper process, I welcome the Attorney-General’s undertaking to now separate the immediate question of the suspension of Justice Geason from the other deeply concerning aspects of the government’s proposed Bill,” Ms Webb said.
“Clearly there was growing disquiet and concern amongst MPs, the legal fraternity and other stakeholders over the apparent over-reach, blurring of powers, and the dangerous potential precedents impeding natural justice processes posed by the government’s proposed Bill.
Ms Webb confirmed that she and Lower House Independent, Lara Alexander, had written to the Attorney-General urging he reconsider his approach to dealing with the issue of suspending Justice Geason, or they would each seek to introduce their own alternative motions in both Houses of Parliament next week.
“Both Ms Alexander in the Assembly and myself in the Council shared serious concerns regarding the proposed Bill and had sought advice on each of us moving next week in our own chamber an alternative mechanism which would see both Houses of Parliament consider the possible suspension of the Justice without requiring the other problematic aspects of the proposed Bill.
“I am very pleased the Attorney-General has seen fit to adopt our proposal, and that the government will now move specific motions in both Houses regarding the Judge’s potential suspension while hitting the pause button on the other controversial aspects of the proposed Bill.
“Without pre-empting the outcome of next week’s debate now on suspension motions, this is a sensible decision by the Attorney-General and I appreciate his willingness to consult and work co-operatively to identify alternative mechanisms forward,” Ms Webb said.
