The Tasmanian Parliament will be recalled next week for MPs to decide on the future of Supreme Court Judge Gregory Geason.
In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Attorney-General Guy Barnett announced that Parliament would “consider legislation to establish an inquiry into Justice Gregory Geason” when parliament is recalled on Tuesday, December 12.
Justice Geason faces charges of common assault and emotional abuse, both of which he pleaded not guilty to in an out-of-hours hearing at the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday.
“The Government has requested that the Governor recall Parliament … to consider a Bill to establish a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry …. as to whether Justice Geason should, or should not, be suspended or removed from the office of Judge,” the Attorney-General said.
“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.”
The Attorney-General said the move “will ensure” that the state has an “appropriate and best-practice model to deal with situations such as this”.
Justice Geason was bailed following his first court appearance and will reappear on February 6.
Labor has requested an out-of-state judge or magistrate oversee the case when it returns to court as a ‘guarantee that there will be no conflict of interest at any level’.
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