Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee

Sue Lines

I will now move to the second deferred vote, a proposed reference to the Senate Legal and Constitution Affairs References Committee, moved by Senator Rennick. The question is that the motion as moved by Senator Rennick be agreed to:

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 7 March 2025:

The benefits of establishing an independent and transparent judicial commission to encourage public confidence in the justice system and uphold the separation of powers, with particular regard to:

(a) current and best practice complaints handling and resolution processes related to judicial officers and courts administration;

(b) the financial cost associated with establishing such a commission;

(c) current and best practice processes to support appropriate scrutiny and accountability of courts, commissions and tribunals, to ensure equity is upheld;

(d) processes to improve efficiency of the justice system;

(e) how the Commonwealth Government can support the effective and efficient administration of state and territory courts, tribunals and commissions;

(f) how costs are awarded and whether reform in this area is required; and

(g) any other related matters.