A Tasmanian judge has been placed on leave over a “significant matter”, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Guy Barnett has confirmed.
In a brief 3-line statement, Barnett said: “Today I met with the Chief Justice (The Honourable Justice Alan Blow) of the Supreme Court in relation to a significant matter involving a Judge.”
“The Chief Justice has asked the Judge to take leave until further notice.”
“As Attorney-General, I take this matter very seriously and will consider any further action as appropriate.”
The minister did not disclose the identity of the judge or provide specific details about the situation, however Pulse understands the judge is Gregory Geason, as named by the ABC.
When questioned about the judge’s court location or whether the issue relates to the judge’s personal or professional role, a Department of Justice spokesperson told Pulse that the department “does not comment on staffing matters”.
They also did not disclose when the Justice Department first became aware of the issue.
According to the Supreme Court website, only the Governor can dismiss a judge for misconduct at the request of both houses of parliament.
No findings have been made against Justice Geason and he is not accused of any criminal wrongdoing.
