George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I have some further information in response to a question asked of me on Monday by Senator Culleton. Senator Culleton, in his question to me on Monday, pointed to what he said was an apparent discrepancy between the requirement in section 33 of the High Court of Australia Act that all process shall be issued in the name of the Queen, and the High Court Rules 2004. I undertook to have a look at the issue, and I did, and, having looked at the issue, through my department, I drew the matter to the attention of the Principal Registrar of the High Court, Mr Andrew Phelan. Mr Phelan has responded, and he has advised that the High Court's Rules Committee wants to have a look at the question, and that will probably take place at the next meeting of the High Court's Rules Committee in October.

If I may say so, Senator Culleton, it is very, very unusual, if not unprecedented, for a senator's question to find its way onto the agenda of the Rules Committee of the High Court of Australia. And I am sure it is utterly unprecedented for a senator's inaugural question to do so. Thank you, Senator Culleton.