Senate debates
Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Business
Consideration of Legislation
3:37 pm
Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
I move:
That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing order 111 not apply to the Federal Courts Legislation Amendment (Judicial Immunity) Bill 2023, allowing it to be considered during this period of sittings.
Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
Since August, judicial immunity in division 2 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has been called into question by a court ruling which found that judges can be personally liable for the way they conduct a case. This has had immediate negative consequences, particularly for Australian families going through the family law courts. The coalition has repeatedly called for the Attorney-General to restore the immunity of division 2 judges so that they can decide cases without fear, favour or the threat of personal liability. We welcome the government's decision to come to the table on this issue.
Question agreed to.