Can anyone make a complaint?
Yes, any person can make a complaint.
Can complaints be made anonymously?
Yes, they can but if an address, email or phone number is not provided we will not be able to advise you of the outcome of your complaint. If a complaint is made anonymously it may also impact on the Judicial Council’s ability to investigate and examine your complaint.
Can a complaint be made on behalf of another person, for example, if they have a disability or disadvantage?
Yes, usually some type of authority will be required to act on behalf of another party such as a signed authority to act or power of attorney, for example. People appointed as administrators of another person’s affairs will also be able to lodge complaints on behalf of the person whose affairs they manage.
What type of complaints does the Judicial Council examine?
The Judicial Council examines complaints about judicial officers in Tasmania that involve Judges, Magistrates and the President and Deputy President(s) of the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT). It cannot examine complaints that involve judicial officers in other jurisdictions such as judicial officers serving in other States or Territories, nor can it examine complaints about the judiciary involved in Federal Court matters such as family law matters.
The Judicial Council of Tasmania can only examine complaints that relate to the behaviour or physical or mental capacity of a judicial officer who is a current judicial officer in Tasmania.
A complaint cannot be made solely on the basis that the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of judicial proceedings.
What if I disagree with a judgment or the outcome of my proceedings?
It is suggested that you seek independent legal advice to determine whether you have a right of review or appeal and to assist you in making a decision about your options and any risks involved. The Judicial Council of Tasmania does not accept complaints solely on the basis that a complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of judicial proceedings.
Can the Judicial Council change decisions made by judicial officers?
No, the Judicial Council cannot change judicial decisions. It does not have powers of review or appeal to make changes to judicial decisions.
Can the Judicial Council provide legal advice to the public?
No, the Judicial Council of Tasmania does not provide legal advice to the public or any other entity. General information about the operations of the Judicial Council, how to make a complaint and what types of complaints can be made should be directed to the Principal Officer of the Judicial Council.
What types of complaints is the Judicial Council unable to examine
The Council cannot accept and examine complaints about judicial officers who belong to the Commonwealth jurisdiction such as the Federal Family Court, the Federal Circuit Court and Federal Court Judges. Nor can the Council accept and examine complaints in relation to judicial officers in other States and Territories.