Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ian Macdonald for his interest in Family Court judges in Townsville. I do not accept the premise of his question, but can I answer it in this way: there is, and has been, consultation between the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice and the Chief Federal Magistrate. The Attorney-General is considering how judicial resources may best be allocated following Justice Monteith's resignation and other upcoming vacancies.

The Attorney-General has also approved the commencement of the process to appoint judges in Sydney, Adelaide and Queensland, and has indicated a preference that the Queensland position be based in Townsville. These positions will be advertised shortly, I am advised, and I encourage strong candidates from North Queensland in particular to apply. Placements in particular registries are always dependent on suitable applicants or nominees being put forward in the appointment process, and for any Queensland position it remains the prerogative of the Chief Justice of the Family Court to manage the circuit duties and the workload of judges, which may entail extensive travel for any judges based in North Queensland.

The process is in train. The Attorney-General is going through the appropriate process to discuss and to end up with an appointment process. I encourage strong candidates, particularly in North Queensland, to watch for the advertisement, make the appropriate applications and indicate their preference for Townsville. There is a preference from the Attorney-General to look at Townsville— (Time expired)