Judicial appointments without fear or favour should be seen to be done: Commonwealth AG

18/02/2008

Attorney-General Robert McClelland has outlined his proposed changes to the�federal judicial appointments process. Addressing the Judicial Appointments Forum at the Bar Association of Queensland's Annual Conference yesterday, the attorney said: "The process for selecting federal judges and magistrates has been ad hoc. It is fair to say that consultation has not always been as transparent and extensive as it could be".

Mr McClelland�gave a�commitment to reviewing this process to ensure:

• greater transparency and public confidence in the process • that all appointments are based on merit and suitability, and • that everyone who has the qualities necessary for appointment as a judge or magistrate is fairly and properly considered – whether they are barristers, solicitors or academics, and whether or not they are well known to government.

View the attorney-general's speech>

18 February 2008