Review of the procedure for judicial appointments in Queensland

Confidence in the expertise, independence and impartiality of the judiciary is essential to the proper functioning of Government in Queensland.

The Queensland Government has committed to review the current processes for the appointment of judicial officers in Queensland.

A discussion paper has been developed which outlines the current regime for judicial appointments to the Supreme, District and Magistrates Courts in Queensland, and also sets out the legislation, policies and procedures for judicial appointments in the other Australian jurisdictions, as well as in England and Wales.

As part of the review, we welcome your views as to:

• whether there should be a formal, and publicly available, procedure for judicial appointments in Queensland
• the form such a policy or procedure should take
• the elements of that procedure.

Your feedback will help us to develop a protocol to guide how future judicial appointments will be made.

Discussion paper

• overview of discussion paper outlining a brief summary of the issues and consultation questions
• discussion paper with more detail on the issues and comparisons with other jurisdictions 

Written submissions

Written submissions can be made by email or post. The closing date for submissions is 15 December 2015:

By email:   judicialappointmentsreview@justice.qld.gov.au

By post:     Judicial Appointments Review

Department of Justice and Attorney-General
GPO Box 149
Brisbane QLD 4001