MARK DREYFUS
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
FEDERAL COURT APPOINTMENTS – COALITION DECLARES “WOMEN NEED NOT APPLY”
The Morrison Government continues to overlook highly qualified women when it comes to making judicial appointments to the Federal Court Registry in Victoria.
Under questioning during Senate Estimates last night Senator Amanda Stoker confirmed the Coalition has not appointed a single woman to the Victorian Registry of the Federal Court in its entire seven years in office.
Over this same period, nine men have been to the Victorian Registry of the Federal Court.
Victorian Labor Senator, Kim Carr, asked the Assistant to the Attorney-General why Christian Porter – who has personally appointed six men to the Victorian Registry – has not been able to identify a single Victorian woman who is suitable for appointment to the Federal Court.
The Assistant to the Attorney-General, Senator Stoker, had no answer to that question.
Anyone who knows anything about the legal profession in Victoria knows that many of the state’s most talented, experienced and respected lawyers are women.
The Coalition’s appalling record is further evidence for why Australia needs a transparent and accountable judicial appointments policy, which will ensure those who are best qualified for the job will get the job.
WEDNESDAY, 24 MARCH 2021
