Parliament recalled as government tries to find a way to deal with judge accused of assault

Parliament will be recalled next week as the government attempts to find a way to resolve the issue caused by a Supreme Court judge, who has pleaded not guilty, being charged with assault and emotional abuse.

New Supreme Court judge Gregory Geason swearing in ceremony in the Supreme Court in Hobart. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

Parliament will be recalled next week as the government attempts to find a way to resolve the issue caused by a Supreme Court judge, who has pleaded not guilty, being charged with assault and emotional abuse.

Justice Gregory Geason, 62, appeared in an out-of-hours court hearing at the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday night charged with one count of common assault and one count of emotional abuse.

He was granted bail and the case was adjourned until February 6. He is currently on leave from the Supreme Court.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett has drafted legislation to establish a judicial commission to examine whether Justice Geason can be removed from office.

Tasmania does not have a standing body to deal with cases of alleged judicial impropriety.

Three interstate judges will be appointed to the panel to determine the way forward.

Mr Barnett said the Tasmanian Parliament will be recalled on Tuesday, December 12, to consider legislation to establish an inquiry into Justice Geason.

“The government has requested that the Governor recall parliament on Tuesday, 12 December, 2023 to consider a bill to establish a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry, which will subsequently report to parliament as to whether Justice Geason should, or should not, be suspended or removed from the office of Judge,” Mr Barnett said.

Supreme Court of Tasmania Justice Gregory Geason

“Under the Supreme Court (Judges’ Independence) Act 1857, the governor may only suspend or remove a judge from office on address from both houses of parliament.

“While parliament is able to inform itself in the manner that it thinks fit, it is important to pass legislation to establish an independent Commission of Inquiry to inquire into the matter.

“I have also directed the Department of Justice to prepare a discussion paper on the merits of establishing a Judicial Review Commission in Tasmania, similar to that operating in other jurisdictions.

“This will also outline options for handling complaints and concerns about the conduct of judicial officers. The discussion paper will be released for public comment early in 2024.

“This will ensure that our State has an appropriate and best-practice model to deal with situations such as this, and I look forward to progressing this work as a matter of priority.

Mr Barnett said members of parliament have been offered briefings on the proposed bill.