SA Government appoints three-person panel to investigate allegations of judicial misconduct, including sexual harassment
In the wake of a damning report into alleged sexual misbehaviour by SA’s lawyers, magistrates and judges, a three-person conduct panel has been appointed.
Police & Courts
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The conduct of a magistrate who allegedly sexually harassed a female court staffer will be the subject of an inquiry by the state’s first-ever judicial conduct panel.
Court of Appeal president Justice Trish Kelly, retired Supreme Court Justice David Bleby QC and Australian Medical Association vice-president Dr Chris Moy will comprise the panel.
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman announced the appointments – which were made after consultation with Supreme Court Chief Justice Chris Kourakis – on Friday.
Ms Chapman said the allegations against the magistrate would not be the only matter considered by the panel.
“It will investigate each of the complaints made by five women who have worked in the courts, with the complaints spanning a period of about seven years,” she said.
“This panel should send a clear message to complainants that their voices will be heard, and that allegations of inappropriate behaviour will be investigated in a way that is fair and impartial.”
In April, an Equal Opportunities Commission report found sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation go all the way to the top in SA’s legal profession.
Its findings included allegations of gross and lewd actions by judges, including members of the bench who were still sitting at the time of the report’s release.
Judicial Conduct Commissioner Ann Vanstone QC subsequently launched an inquiry of her own into the actions of one magistrate.
He had, according to the report, repeatedly sexually harassed a District Court judge’s associate who has since gone on to become a Commonwealth prosecutor.
That magistrate has been stood down from presiding in court pending the outcome of investigations into the complaint.
After making preliminary inquiries, Ms Vanstone recommended a panel be convened to investigate the matter, which led to Friday’s announcement.
Ms Chapman said the panel’s report would be tabled in parliament in line with the requirements of the Judicial Conduct Commissioner Act.
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