Yesterday, the Tasmanian Government announced its intention to introduce a Bill to establish a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry to provide advice to the Parliament regarding Justice Geason's fitness to remain a judge.
While Parliament is able to inform itself in the manner that it thinks fit, the recent practice in other Australian jurisdictions has been to pass legislation to establish an independent commission of inquiry to report to Parliament.
It is important to note that the outcome of the criminal proceedings will not directly address the question of whether Justice Geason is suitable or fit to remain in office. This is a separate question and must be specifically addressed.
Justice Geason is currently on voluntary leave and cannot be suspended or stood down by the Chief Justice, or anyone else.
Today, following consultation with Members of Parliament and stakeholders, a draft Supreme Court (Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry) Bill 2023 has been prepared and I am releasing that draft for public consultation. The Bill includes a mechanism for the suspension of the judge in appropriate circumstances.
Attorney General, Guy Barnett, said he hoped the matter can be addressed by Parliament in a co-operative and non-partisan way next Tuesday and thanked Members for the manner in which they have currently approached this process.
Tasmanians can provide feedback on the Bill until 1pm, Friday 8 December 2023.
The draft Bill can be found here: https://www.justice.tas.gov.au/community-consultation/consultations/supreme-court-parliamentary-commission-of-inquiry-bill-2023
