Tasmania is establishing a Judicial Council and is looking for its first members

A crucial step is underway in getting Tasmania’s first Judicial Council off the ground, which will act as a mechanism for complaints against judiciary.

Supreme Court of Tasmania, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

The establishment of a complaints mechanism for Tasmania’s judiciary has reached a new milestone after the state government starts searching for members of the soon-to-be-formed Judicial Council.

Expressions of Interest has opened for non-judicial members of the “historic” council.

The state government also intends to establish a register of people who can form part of a pool of potential Judicial Commission members, who can be appointed to a Judicial Commission, as and when required.

The Judicial Council will be responsible for receiving and examining complaints against judicial officers, which can then be referred to a Judicial Commission to further investigate.

The council will include the Chief Justice, Chief Magistrate, a member of the jointly nominated by the Tasmanian Bar and Law Society of Tasmania and a non-judicial member.

The non-judicial position requirements include experience in investigations and complaints resolutions; experience in ethics, integrity and professional standards; experience in fields related to medicine, psychological therapy or treatment; interest in procedural fairness and access to justice; membership on boards or committees.

Treasurer Guy Barnett speaks to the media at Parliament House on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett said this was a significant milestone.

“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,” Mr Barnett said.

The legislation permitting the establishment of the council was passed last year following failed attempts to hold a commission of inquiry into Justice Gregory Geason — who at that time faced criminal charges and has since been convicted of assault —, or to suspend him by vote of parliament, because of legal advice that it may be unconstitutional.

At that time in January last year, the Attorney-General Guy Barnett indicated Tasmania needed to have some form of judicial commission like other Australian states.

Independent judicial commissions exist in the ACT, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Further information on how to apply for the non-judicial roles can be found online at www.justice.tas.gov.au

Originally published as Tasmania is establishing a Judicial Council and is looking for its first members