November 2022
Morrison to defend himself against censure
Scott Morrison intends to speak in defence of his five secret ministries during Wednesday’s censure motion, and has thanked his colleagues for their support in refusing to join Labor in condemning him.
- Phillip Coorey
Morrison to be censured, but Coalition won’t join in
Former prime minister Scott Morrison will be censured by parliament this week, but his Coalition colleagues believe the move is gratuitous.
- Phillip Coorey
September 2022
Morrison probe seeks public submissions
An inquiry into former prime minister Scott Morrison’s secret self-appointments to several ministries is taking submissions.
- Tess Ikonomou
August 2022
Judge to examine Morrison secret ministries, including role of GG
Scott Morrison could be dragged before an inquiry with the same powers as a Royal Commission if he declines to cooperate with an independent probe.
- Phillip Coorey
April 2021
- Analysis
- Hearsay
Should judges decide if they are biased?
A curiosity of the legal system is that the person being accused of bias gets to make a ruling about whether they are or not. Moves for change are afoot.
- Michael Pelly
Sister act for Gleeson’s High Court portrait
The family touch for High Court portrait, an agreeable welcome for new judges and peace at the Victoria Bar. It’s all Hearsay.
- Michael Pelly
March 2021
- Analysis
- High Court of Australia
Will Jacqueline Gleeson join the High Court’s dominant group?
The High Court’s new judges will determine the direction of the court for the next decade.
- Michael Pelly
February 2021
Bell’s exit makes High Court history
For the first time since the High Court was formed in 1903, none of its judges will have come directly from a state court.
- Michael Pelly
Fine looms for Westpac after High Court financial advice rebuff
The bank can expect another fine after the court found it breached financial advice laws in a super rollover campaign.
- Updated
- Michael Pelly and Aleks Vickovich
October 2020
- Opinion
- High Court of Australia
There is a fairer and open way to appoint the best High Court judges
A UK-style independent judicial appointment commission would avoid the political circus around the US Supreme Court while creating a transparent, competitive and merit-based process.
- Kim Rubenstein
August 2020
No gender bias against women judges in Australia, says US expert
Advocates are apt to interrupt High Court judges, no matter what the gender, according to a paper that disputes earlier findings.
- Michael Pelly and Hannah Wootton
High stakes in race to High Court bench
The Morrison government will be hoping it can reshape the High Court with its next two appointments. The Australian Financial Review reveals five leading candidates and two wild cards.
- Michael Pelly
July 2020
Porter kicks off search for next High Court judge
The Attorney-General casts a net for the next High Court judge, lawyers behaving badly and a QC's plea to the PM. It's all Hearsay.
- Michael Pelly
February 2020
- Opinion
- High Court of Australia
More 'political' judges is the last thing we need
A call for a less "activist" judge is a call for a person with a certain political approach, says a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills.
- Graeme Johnson
High Court unity fades as judges agree to differ
Australia's top court is becoming less predictable as alliances shift, and its youngest member asserts himself as its leading contrarian.
- Michael Pelly
December 2019
High Court torpedoes class actions
While business groups welcomed the decision, class action lawyers warned it would lead to more multiple claims, drive costs up, diminish competition and remove vital consumer protections.
- Michael Pelly