A member of Tasmania’s judiciary has written to the attorney-general to express his ‘dismay’ at the appointment of the state’s new chief justice. The criticism comes a day after Women Lawyers Tasmania also objected to the overlooking of sitting supreme court judge Helen Wood.
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00:00Tasmania's new Chief Justice hasn't even started in the role yet, but his appointment
00:08has caused quite a stir.
00:10Senior Western Australian Barrister Chris Shanahan, SC, spent more than seven years
00:15as WA's Acting Commissioner for the Corruption and Crime Commission, but he's never worked
00:20as a judge.
00:22His appointment has surprised many in the legal community, with some seeking answers
00:26from the Attorney-General.
00:28In an email obtained by the ABC, a member of the Judiciary has asked Guy Barnett for
00:33an explanation, questioning why the most senior Supreme Court judge, Justice Helen Wood, and
00:39other local candidates had been overlooked.
00:42The letter says,
00:57That was sent over a week ago.
01:10Despite a follow-up, he's yet to receive a reply.
01:13The Tasmanian Women Lawyers Association has also raised concerns.
01:18In a statement, a government spokesman said the role of Chief Justice is critical to drive
01:23the future needs of the Tasmanian Supreme Court, and to promote efficient and effective
01:28access to justice.
01:30Judicial appointments in Tasmania are overseen by an independent panel.
01:34The Attorney-General makes the final decision.
01:38Mr Shanahan declined to comment.