NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
JUDICIAL COMMISSION ACT 2020
As in force at 11 November 2021
Table of provisions
Part 1 Preliminary matters
1 Short title ......................................................................................... 1
2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1
3 Definitions ........................................................................................ 1
4 Application of Criminal Code ........................................................... 2
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation
panels
Division 1 Judicial Commission
5 Establishment of Judicial Commission ............................................ 2
6 Functions of Judicial Commission ................................................... 3
7 Composition of Judicial Commission ............................................... 3
8 Appointment of community member to Judicial Commission........... 3
9 Termination of appointment of community member......................... 5
10 Acting members of Judicial Commission ......................................... 5
11 Member involved in complaint ......................................................... 6
12 Head of jurisdiction involved in complaint ........................................ 6
13 Meetings of Judicial Commission .................................................... 7
Division 2 Powers of Judicial Commission
14 General powers ............................................................................... 8
15 Guidelines........................................................................................ 8
16 Legal assistance .............................................................................. 8
17 Examination on oath ........................................................................ 9
18 Issuing summons............................................................................. 9
19 Inspection and retention of documents ............................................ 9
20 Medical or psychological examination ........................................... 10
Division 3 Investigation panel
21 Establishing investigation panel..................................................... 10
22 Pool of persons eligible to be community members ...................... 11
23 Functions of investigation panel .................................................... 11
24 Members of investigation panel ..................................................... 11
25 Meetings of investigation panel ..................................................... 12
Judicial Commission Act 2020 ii
Division 4 Powers of investigation panel
26 General powers ............................................................................. 13
27 Legal assistance ............................................................................ 13
28 Examination on oath ...................................................................... 13
29 Issuing summons........................................................................... 13
30 Arrest warrant ................................................................................ 14
31 Search warrants ............................................................................ 14
32 Inspection and retention of documents .......................................... 16
33 Medical or psychological examination ........................................... 16
34 Preventing or restricting release of information ............................. 17
Division 5 Related matters
35 Independence of all members ....................................................... 17
36 Expenses and remuneration .......................................................... 18
37 Protocol for complaints against ordinary members of NTCAT ....... 18
38 Delegation by Judicial Commission ............................................... 18
39 Staff of Judicial Commission.......................................................... 19
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 1 Making complaint
40 Grounds for complaint ................................................................... 19
41 Referral to Judicial Commission .................................................... 20
Division 2 Acting on complaint
42 Preliminary examination of complaint ............................................ 20
43 Matters related to complaint .......................................................... 20
44 Grounds to dismiss complaint........................................................ 21
45 Vexatious complainants ................................................................. 22
46 Giving notice .................................................................................. 22
47 Opportunity to respond to complaint .............................................. 23
48 Options for taking action ................................................................ 23
49 Referral to head of jurisdiction ....................................................... 24
Division 3 Examination and investigation by
investigation panel
50 Establishment of investigation panel ............................................. 24
51 Examination and investigation by investigation panel.................... 24
52 Hearing by investigation panel....................................................... 24
53 Dismissal of complaint by investigation panel................................ 25
54 Termination of investigation panel ................................................. 26
Judicial Commission Act 2020 iii
Division 4 Substantiation of complaint by investigation
panel
55 Duty to report ................................................................................. 26
56 Report to head of jurisdiction ......................................................... 26
57 Report to Administrator and Minister ............................................. 27
58 Tabling report before Legislative Assembly ................................... 27
Division 5 Action in response to complaint
59 Interim suspension ........................................................................ 27
60 Action by head of jurisdiction ......................................................... 28
61 Removal of Supreme Court Judge from office ............................... 28
62 Removal of Associate Judge from office ....................................... 29
63 Termination of appointment of Local Court Judge ......................... 29
64 Termination of appointment of member of NTCAT ........................ 29
Part 4 Miscellaneous matters
65 Legal representation ...................................................................... 30
66 Procedure ...................................................................................... 30
67 Contempt ....................................................................................... 30
68 Self-incrimination ........................................................................... 31
69 Reimbursement of witness's expenses.......................................... 31
70 Payment of costs and expenses of judicial officer or ordinary
member of NTCAT ........................................................................ 31
71 Protection of members .................................................................. 31
72 Protection of staff........................................................................... 32
73 Offence to disclose certain information .......................................... 32
74 Misleading information ................................................................... 33
75 Giving information to Minister ........................................................ 34
76 Annual report ................................................................................. 35
77 Approved forms ............................................................................. 36
78 Regulations.................................................................................... 36
ENDNOTES
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
As in force at 11 November 2021
JUDICIAL COMMISSION ACT 2020
An Act to establish a commission for handling complaints against
judges of the Supreme Court and Local Court and members of the
Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and for related
purposes
Part 1 Preliminary matters
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Judicial Commission Act 2020.
2 Commencement
This Act commences on the day fixed by the Administrator by
Gazette notice.
3 Definitions
In this Act:
approved form, means a form approved under section 77.
community member means the following:
(a) in relation to the Judicial Commission – a member of the
Judicial Commission appointed under section 8;
(b) in relation to an investigation panel – a member of the
investigation panel appointed under section 24(3).
complaint means a complaint made under section 40.
head of jurisdiction means the following:
(a) in relation to a Supreme Court Judge – the Chief Justice;
(b) in relation to an Associate Judge – the Chief Justice;
(c) in relation to a Local Court Judge – the Chief Judge;
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 1 Judicial Commission
Judicial Commission Act 2020 2
(d) in relation to a member of NTCAT – the President of NTCAT.
investigation panel means an investigation panel established
under section 21.
Judicial Commission means the Judicial Commission established
under section 5.
judicial officer means the following:
(a) a Supreme Court Judge;
(b) an Associate Judge;
(c) a Local Court Judge, including a Local Court Judge acting as
a coroner;
(d) the President of NTCAT;
(e) a Deputy President of NTCAT.
ordinary member of NTCAT means a member of NTCAT
appointed under section 16 of the Northern Territory Civil and
Administrative Tribunal Act 2014.
principal officer means the principal officer of the Judicial
Commission appointed under section 39(2).
4 Application of Criminal Code
Part IIAA of the Criminal Code applies to an offence against this
Act.
Note for section 4
Part IIAA of the Criminal Code states the general principles of criminal
responsibility, establishes general defences, and deals with burden of proof. It
also defines, or elaborates on, certain concepts commonly used in the creation of
offences.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 1 Judicial Commission
5 Establishment of Judicial Commission
The Judicial Commission is established.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 1 Judicial Commission
Judicial Commission Act 2020 3
6 Functions of Judicial Commission
The Judicial Commission has the following functions:
(a) to receive complaints regarding the behaviour or the physical
or mental capacity of judicial officers and ordinary members of
NTCAT;
(b) to investigate and make determinations of fact in relation to
complaints as appropriate;
(c) to refer complaints to the heads of jurisdiction or establish
investigation panels as appropriate;
(d) to make recommendations in relation to complaints it refers to
the heads of jurisdiction;
(e) to assist and support any investigation panel it establishes;
(f) to perform any other functions conferred on it by this or any
other Act.
Note for section 6
The Judicial Commission is only an investigatory body and has no power to
discipline a judicial officer or an ordinary member of NTCAT.
7 Composition of Judicial Commission
(1) The Judicial Commission consists of the following members:
(a) the Chief Justice;
(b) the Chief Judge;
(c) the President of NTCAT;
(d) the President of the Council of the Law Society Northern
Territory;
(e) at least one but not more than 2 community members
appointed under section 8.
(2) The Chief Justice is the chairperson of the Judicial Commission.
8 Appointment of community member to Judicial Commission
(1) The Administrator may appoint a person to be a community
member of the Judicial Commission.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 1 Judicial Commission
Judicial Commission Act 2020 4
(2) To be eligible to be appointed as a community member of the
Judicial Commission, a person must be:
(a) of high standing in the community; and
(b) nominated by the Minister; and
(c) not ineligible under subsection (3).
(3) The following persons are ineligible to be appointed as a
community member:
(a) a lawyer;
(b) a judicial officer or a person who was formerly a judicial
officer;
(c) an ordinary member of NTCAT or a person who was formerly
an ordinary member of NTCAT;
(d) a person who holds office, or formerly held office, as a
member of another administrative or civil tribunal in the
Territory;
(e) a person who holds office, or formerly held office, as a judge
or a member of an administrative or civil tribunal in a State or
another Territory;
(f) a member of the Legislative Assembly or a person who was
formerly a member of the Legislative Assembly.
(4) The Minister must consult with the Chief Justice and the Chief
Judge before nominating a person for appointment as a community
member of the Judicial Commission.
(5) A community member of the Judicial Commission holds office for
the period, not exceeding 5 years, specified in the member's
appointment.
(6) A community member of the Judicial Commission may be
reappointed, if still eligible, for one further period not exceeding
5 years.
(7) A community member of the Judicial Commission holds office on
the conditions determined by the Administrator.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 1 Judicial Commission
Judicial Commission Act 2020 5
9 Termination of appointment of community member
(1) The appointment of a person as a community member is taken to
be terminated if the person:
(a) ceases to be eligible for appointment; or
(b) resigns by giving written notice to the Administrator.
(2) The Administrator must terminate the appointment of a person as a
community member if the person:
(a) becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for
the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with the
person's creditors or makes an assignment of remuneration
for their benefit; or
(b) becomes mentally incapacitated or is being treated under the
Mental Health and Related Services Act 1998; or
(c) is found guilty of an offence that is punishable by
imprisonment for 12 months or more.
(3) The Administrator may terminate the appointment of a person as a
community member for incompetence or misbehaviour.
(4) To avoid doubt, subsections (1), (2) and (3) apply to an acting
community member.
10 Acting members of Judicial Commission
(1) The Chief Justice may appoint a Supreme Court Judge to act as a
member and acting chairperson of the Judicial Commission during
a period, or all periods, when the Chief Justice is unable or
unavailable to perform the functions or exercise the powers of a
member of the Judicial Commission.
(2) The Chief Judge may appoint a Deputy Chief Judge or another
Local Court Judge to act as a member of the Judicial Commission
during a period, or all periods, when the Chief Judge is unable or
unavailable to perform functions or exercise powers of a member of
the Judicial Commission.
(3) The President of NTCAT may appoint a Deputy President of the
NTCAT to act as a member of the Judicial Commission during a
period, or all periods, when the President is unable or unavailable
to perform functions or exercise powers of a member of the Judicial
Commission.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 1 Judicial Commission
Judicial Commission Act 2020 6
(4) The President of the Council of the Law Society Northern Territory
may appoint another member of the Council of the Law Society
Northern Territory to act as a member of the Judicial Commission
during a period, or all periods, when the President of the Law
Society Northern Territory is unable or unavailable to perform
functions or exercise powers of a member of the Judicial
Commission.
(5) The Administrator may appoint a person eligible for appointment as
a community member to act as a community member of the Judicial
Commission during a period, or all periods, when a community
member of the Judicial Commission is unable or unavailable to
perform functions or exercise powers of a member of the Judicial
Commission.
(6) An acting member of the Judicial Commission appointed by the
Administrator under subsection (5) holds office on the conditions
determined by the Administrator.
11 Member involved in complaint
(1) A member of the Judicial Commission must not perform any
function or exercise any power under this Act in relation to a
complaint if the member is the complainant or is the subject of the
complaint.
(2) If a member of the Judicial Commission is the complainant, the
person appointed as the acting member under section 10 must
perform the functions and exercise the powers of the member until
the complaint is finally resolved.
(3) If the Chief Justice is the subject of a complaint, the next most
senior Judge of the Supreme Court must act as a member and the
chairperson of the Judicial Commission until the complaint is finally
resolved.
(4) If the Chief Judge or the President of NTCAT is the subject of a
complaint, no one must perform the functions or exercise the
powers of that member until the complaint is finally resolved.
(5) To avoid doubt, section 10 does not apply to the circumstances
specified in subsections (3) and (4).
12 Head of jurisdiction involved in complaint
(1) This section has effect if a head of jurisdiction is the complainant or
is the subject of the complaint and continues in effect until the
complaint is finally resolved.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 1 Judicial Commission
Judicial Commission Act 2020 7
(2) The Administrator may exercise the powers of the head of
jurisdiction under section 59 in relation to the complaint.
(3) If the head of jurisdiction is the Chief Justice, a person nominated
under subsection (4) may perform the functions and exercise the
powers of the Chief Justice under sections 49, 56 and 60 in relation
to the complaint.
(4) The Judicial Commission must nominate one of the following
persons, with the person's consent, to perform the functions and
exercise the powers of the Chief Justice under sections 49, 56
and 60 in relation to the complaint:
(a) a former Chief Justice;
(b) a former Justice of the High Court of Australia;
(c) a person who is, or has been, the Chief Justice of a Supreme
Court of a State or another Territory.
(5) If the head of jurisdiction is the Chief Judge, a person nominated
under subsection (6) may perform the functions and exercise the
powers of the Chief Judge under sections 49, 56 and 60 in relation
to the complaint.
(6) The Judicial Commission must nominate one of the following
persons, with the person's consent, to perform the functions and
exercise the powers of the Chief Judge under sections 49, 56
and 60:
(a) the Chief Justice;
(b) a person specified in subsection (4)(a) to (c);
(c) a former Chief Judge;
(d) a person who is, or has been, the head of jurisdiction of a
court of a State or another Territory that is equivalent to the
Local Court.
(7) If the head of jurisdiction is the President of NTCAT, the Chief
Justice may perform the functions and exercise the powers of the
President of NTCAT under sections 49, 56 and 60.
13 Meetings of Judicial Commission
(1) The chairperson of the Judicial Commission may determine the
procedure for calling meetings of the Commission and the conduct
of business at those meetings.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 2 Powers of Judicial Commission
Judicial Commission Act 2020 8
(2) The Judicial Commission must hold a meeting at least once every
3 months.
(3) The quorum for a meeting of the Judicial Commission is 4 members
of the Commission, of whom at least one must be a community
member.
(4) Decisions of the Judicial Commission are to be made by a majority
of the votes cast at a meeting of the Commission at which a
quorum is present.
(5) The Judicial Commission must keep full and accurate minutes of its
meetings and other proceedings.
Division 2 Powers of Judicial Commission
14 General powers
The Judicial Commission has the powers necessary to perform its
functions.
15 Guidelines
(1) The Judicial Commission may establish guidelines to assist both it
and any investigation panel in the performance of their functions.
(2) The guidelines may include provisions with respect to any of the
following matters:
(a) the general manner in which an investigation panel should
conduct its examination of complaints;
(b) the general manner in which an investigation panel should
conduct its hearings regarding complaints;
(c) the criteria that an investigation panel should consider when
determining whether a hearing should be held in public or in
private;
(d) the criteria that an investigation panel should consider when
exercising its power to consent to legal representation for
persons appearing at its hearings.
16 Legal assistance
The Judicial Commission may engage a legal practitioner to assist
the Commission.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 2 Powers of Judicial Commission
Judicial Commission Act 2020 9
17 Examination on oath
The chairperson of the Judicial Commission may require a person
appearing before the Judicial Commission to give evidence on oath.
18 Issuing summons
(1) The chairperson of the Judicial Commission may issue a summons
to order a person to do the following:
(a) to attend to give evidence as directed by the summons;
(b) to produce any document or thing as directed by the
summons.
(2) Each summons may be issued to only one person.
(3) A summons must:
(a) be in the approved form; and
(b) identify the person to whom it is issued by name or by
description of office or position; and
(c) specify what the person is being summoned to do; and
(d) identify any documents or things to be produced; and
(e) specify the date, time and place for any attendance or
production.
(4) A summons must be served personally on the person to whom it is
issued.
19 Inspection and retention of documents
(1) The Judicial Commission may:
(a) inspect a document or other thing produced to the
Commission; and
(b) retain possession of the document or thing for as long as
necessary for the Commission to perform its functions; and
(c) make copies of, or take extracts from, the document.
(2) If a document is retained under subsection (1)(b), the person
otherwise entitled to possession of the document is entitled to:
(a) inspect the document; and
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 3 Investigation panel
Judicial Commission Act 2020 10
(b) receive a certified true copy of the document.
(3) The Judicial Commission may refer a document or thing, or a copy
of a document, to an investigation panel and a head of jurisdiction.
(4) The Judicial Commission must return any document or thing
retained under subsection (1)(b) when it is no longer required.
20 Medical or psychological examination
(1) The Judicial Commission may request a judicial officer or ordinary
member of NTCAT who is the subject of a complaint to undergo a
specified medical or psychological examination within a reasonable
specified time if the Judicial Commission believes on reasonable
grounds that the judicial officer or ordinary member might be
physically or mentally unfit to perform the functions or exercise the
powers of office.
(2) The examination must relate only to the fitness, whether physical,
mental or both, of the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT
to perform the functions or exercise the powers of office.
(3) As soon as practicable after the examination, the judicial officer or
ordinary member of NTCAT must give the Judicial Commission a
copy of the report of the examination.
(4) If a judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT fails, without
reasonable excuse, to comply with a request under subsection (1)
or to give a copy of the report under subsection (3), a statement to
that effect must be included in any report given by the Judicial
Commission in relation to the judicial officer or ordinary member.
Division 3 Investigation panel
21 Establishing investigation panel
(1) The Judicial Commission may establish one or more investigation
panels when required under section 50.
(2) The Judicial Commission may:
(a) establish more than one investigation panel to deal with
different complaints; or
(b) establish one investigation panel to deal with different
complaints.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 3 Investigation panel
Judicial Commission Act 2020 11
22 Pool of persons eligible to be community members
(1) The Minister must nominate a pool of at least 3 persons who are
eligible for appointment as community members of an investigation
panel.
(2) To be eligible to be appointed as a community member, a person
must be of high standing in the community and not be ineligible
under section 8(3).
(3) A person's nomination to the pool is for a period of 5 years.
(4) A person may be renominated to the pool, if still eligible, for one
further period of 5 years.
(5) The nomination of a person to the pool is taken to be terminated if
the person:
(a) ceases to be eligible for appointment; or
(b) resigns the person's nomination by giving written notice to the
Minister; or
(c) meets any of the conditions specified in section 9(2).
(6) The Minister may terminate nomination of a person to the pool for
incompetence or misbehaviour.
23 Functions of investigation panel
An investigation panel has the following functions:
(a) to examine and investigate complaints under Part 3,
Division 3;
(b) to make determinations of fact in relation to those complaints;
(c) to report on its investigations and determinations under Part 3,
Divisions 3 and 4.
24 Members of investigation panel
(1) An investigation panel consists of 3 persons appointed by the
Judicial Commission.
(2) Two members of an investigation panel must be appointed from
among any of the following groups of persons:
(a) Supreme Court Judges and former Supreme Court Judges;
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 3 Investigation panel
Judicial Commission Act 2020 12
(b) judges and former judges of a superior court of a State or
another Territory;
(c) judges and former judges of the High Court of Australia, the
Federal Court of Australia, the Family Court of Australia and
any other federal court established by the Commonwealth.
(3) One member of an investigation panel must be appointed from the
pool of eligible persons nominated under section 22.
(4) A person must not be appointed to an investigation panel if the
person:
(a) is a member or acting member of the Judicial Commission; or
(b) is a judge or former judge of the same court as the person
who is the subject of the complaint.
(5) The Judicial Commission must designate one of the members of an
investigation panel as its chairperson.
(6) The appointment of a person under subsection (3) from the pool of
eligible persons is taken to be terminated if the person:
(a) ceases to be eligible for appointment; or
(b) resigns the person's appointment by giving written notice to
the Minister; or
(c) meets any of the conditions specified in section 9(2).
25 Meetings of investigation panel
(1) Subject to any guidelines established by the Judicial Commission,
the chairperson of an investigation panel may determine the
procedure for the calling of meetings of the panel and for the
conduct of business at those meetings.
(2) The quorum for a meeting of an investigation panel is all
3 members of the panel.
(3) An investigation panel must keep full and accurate minutes of its
meetings and other proceedings.
(4) If a member of the investigation panel is unable or unavailable to
perform the functions or exercise the powers of a member, or the
member's appointment is terminated under section 24(6), the
remaining members of the panel may:
(a) continue as a panel of 2 members; or
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 4 Powers of investigation panel
Judicial Commission Act 2020 13
(b) request the Judicial Commission to appoint a replacement
member.
(5) If an investigation panel continues as a panel of 2 members under
subsection (4)(a), the decisions of the panel must be unanimous.
Division 4 Powers of investigation panel
26 General powers
An investigation panel has the powers necessary to perform its
functions.
27 Legal assistance
An investigation panel may engage a legal practitioner to assist the
panel.
28 Examination on oath
The chairperson of an investigation panel may require a person
appearing before the investigation panel to give evidence on oath.
29 Issuing summons
(1) The chairperson of an investigation panel may issue a summons to
order a person to do the following:
(a) to attend to give evidence as directed by the summons;
(b) to produce any document or thing as directed by the
summons.
(2) Each summons may be issued to only one person.
(3) A summons must:
(a) be in the approved form; and
(b) identify the person to whom it is issued by name or by
description of office or position; and
(c) specify what the person is being summoned to do; and
(d) identify any documents or things to be produced; and
(e) specify the date, time and place for any attendance or
production.
(4) A summons must be served personally on the person to whom it is
issued.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 4 Powers of investigation panel
Judicial Commission Act 2020 14
30 Arrest warrant
(1) If a person fails to attend as required by a summons under
section 29, the chairperson of an investigation panel may issue a
warrant for the arrest of the person.
(2) Before issuing the arrest warrant, the chairperson of the
investigation panel must be satisfied that:
(a) the summons was served on the person; or
(b) a reasonable attempt was made to serve the summons on the
person.
(3) An arrest warrant must:
(a) be signed by the chairperson of the investigation panel; and
(b) be issued to a police officer or a person named in the warrant;
and
(c) state the purpose for which it is issued; and
(d) the name or identity of the person to be arrested.
(4) An arrest warrant authorises a police officer or the person named in
the warrant:
(a) to arrest the person identified in the warrant at any time and
bring the person before the investigation panel; and
(b) to detain the person in custody until released by order of the
investigation panel or the Supreme Court.
(5) The arrest of a person under this section does not prevent the
person from being prosecuted for an offence against section 67.
31 Search warrants
(1) The chairperson of an investigation panel may issue a search
warrant if the panel believes on reasonable grounds that issuing a
search warrant is justified to ensure the production of a document
or thing that might otherwise be concealed, lost, mutilated,
destroyed or disposed of.
(2) A search warrant must:
(a) be signed by the chairperson of the investigation panel; and
(b) be issued to a police officer or a person named in the warrant;
and
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 4 Powers of investigation panel
Judicial Commission Act 2020 15
(c) state the purpose for which it is issued; and
(d) specify the premises for which entry is authorised; and
(e) specify particular hours during which the entry is authorised or
state that the entry is authorised at any time of the day or
night; and
(f) include a description of the kind of documents or things in
relation to which the powers under the warrant may be
exercised; and
(g) specify the day on which the warrant ceases to have effect,
which must be a day not later than 30 days after the day of its
issue.
(3) A search warrant authorises a police officer or the person named in
the warrant:
(a) to enter the premises specified in the warrant; and
(b) to search the premises for documents or things relevant to a
complaint; and
(c) to seize any document or thing relevant to a complaint found
in or on the premises; and
(d) to deliver anything seized to the investigation panel.
(4) A search warrant may be executed, in accordance with its terms, at
any time during the period commencing on the day of issue of the
warrant and ending at the end of the day specified for
subsection (2)(g).
(5) A person executing a search warrant may seize a document or
thing not of a kind specified in the warrant if in the course of
searching under the search warrant for a document or thing of a
relevant kind:
(a) the person believes on reasonable grounds the document or
thing is connected with the matter being investigated; and
(b) the person believes on reasonable grounds that it is
necessary to seize that document or thing in order to prevent it
from being concealed, lost, mutilated, destroyed or disposed
of.
(6) Any document or thing seized under subsection (5) must be
presented without delay to the investigation panel.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 4 Powers of investigation panel
Judicial Commission Act 2020 16
(7) A person executing a search warrant must, on request by an
occupant of the premises to which the warrant relates, show the
warrant to that occupant.
32 Inspection and retention of documents
(1) An investigation panel may:
(a) inspect a document or other thing produced to the Judicial
Commission or the investigation panel or seized under a
search warrant; and
(b) retain possession of the document or thing for as long as
necessary for either the Judicial Commission or the
investigation panel to perform their functions; and
(c) make copies of, or take extracts from, the document.
(2) If a document is retained under subsection (1)(b), the person
otherwise entitled to possession of the document is entitled to:
(a) inspect the document; and
(b) receive a certified true copy of the document.
(3) An investigation panel may refer a document or thing, or a copy of a
document, to the Judicial Commission and a head of jurisdiction.
(4) An investigation panel must return any document or thing retained
under subsection (1)(b) when it is no longer required.
33 Medical or psychological examination
(1) An investigation panel may request a judicial officer or ordinary
member of NTCAT who is the subject of a complaint to undergo a
specified medical or psychological examination within a reasonable
specified time if the investigation panel believes on reasonable
grounds that the judicial officer or ordinary member might be
physically or mentally unfit to perform the functions or exercise the
powers of office.
(2) The examination must relate only to the fitness, whether physical,
mental or both, of the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT
to perform the functions or exercise the powers of office.
(3) As soon as practicable after the examination, the judicial officer or
ordinary member of NTCAT must give the investigation panel a
copy of the report of the examination.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 5 Related matters
Judicial Commission Act 2020 17
(4) If a judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT fails, without
reasonable excuse, to comply with a request under subsection (1)
or to give a copy of the report under subsection (3), a statement to
that effect must be included in any report given by the investigation
panel in relation to the judicial officer or ordinary member.
34 Preventing or restricting release of information
(1) An investigation panel may refuse to disclose information to a
complainant if the disclosure would be contrary to the public
interest.
(2) An investigation panel may give directions preventing or restricting
the publication of evidence given to the panel or evidence regarding
matters contained in documents received by the panel.
(3) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally engages in conduct; and
(b) the conduct results in a contravention of a direction given
under subsection (2) and the person is reckless in relation to
that result.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for
6 months.
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
Division 5 Related matters
35 Independence of all members
(1) In the performance of functions or the exercise of powers under this
Act, a member of the Judicial Commission or an investigation panel
is not subject to the direction or control of any person.
(2) The conditions of office of a member of the Judicial Commission or
an investigation panel:
(a) cannot be contingent on the member's performance in office;
and
(b) cannot be varied during the member's term in office.
Part 2 Judicial Commission and investigation panels
Division 5 Related matters
Judicial Commission Act 2020 18
36 Expenses and remuneration
(1) The following are entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable
expenses incurred in performing functions or exercising powers
under this Act:
(a) the members of the Judicial Commission;
(b) the members of an investigation panel.
(2) The following are entitled to be paid remuneration for performing
functions or exercising powers under this Act:
(a) a community member of the Judicial Commission or an
investigation panel;
(b) a former judge who is a member of an investigation panel.
(3) The conditions about expenses and remuneration under this
section are determined by the Administrator.
37 Protocol for complaints against ordinary members of NTCAT
(1) If recommended by the Judicial Commission, the Minister must, by
Gazette notice, issue a protocol to provide a process for a suitably
qualified person to deal with a complaint in relation to an ordinary
member of NTCAT.
(2) The contents of the protocol must be approved by the Judicial
Commission.
(3) Despite any provision to the contrary, a complaint in relation to an
ordinary member of NTCAT must be dealt with in accordance with
the protocol.
38 Delegation by Judicial Commission
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Judicial Commission may delegate its
powers and functions to:
(a) a member of the Judicial Commission; or
(b) a suitably qualified person acting under any protocol issued
under section 37; or
(c) the principal officer or another member of the staff of the
Judicial Commission.
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 1 Making complaint
Judicial Commission Act 2020 19
(2) Subsection (1) does not authorise the delegation of the following
powers and functions to a single member of the Judicial
Commission, the principal officer or another member of the staff of
the Judicial Commission:
(a) establishing an investigation panel under section 21;
(b) referring a complaint or making a recommendation under
section 49.
(3) A person delegated a power or function cannot subdelegate that
power or function.
39 Staff of Judicial Commission
(1) The Judicial Commission is to be supported in the exercise of its
functions by:
(a) the principal officer; and
(b) other staff considered suitable by the Commission.
(2) The principal officer of the Judicial Commission must be appointed
by the Minister, on the recommendation of the Commission.
(3) The conditions of the principal officer's employment must be
determined in accordance with Part 3, Division 3 of the Assembly
Members and Statutory Officers (Remuneration and Other
Entitlements) Act 2006.
(4) The other staff of the Judicial Commission are public sector
employees:
(a) employed for the purposes of the Commission; or
(b) employed in an Agency and made available by the Chief
Executive Officer of the Agency under an arrangement with
the Judicial Commission.
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 1 Making complaint
40 Grounds for complaint
(1) Any person may make a complaint under this Act about a matter
relating to the behaviour or the physical or mental capacity of a
judicial officer or an ordinary member of NTCAT.
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 2 Acting on complaint
Judicial Commission Act 2020 20
(2) Despite subsection (1), a complaint may not be made or dealt with
under this Act in relation to a matter that is within the jurisdiction of
the ICAC, unless the ICAC consents or refers the matter to the
Judicial Commission.
(3) To avoid doubt, a series of actions may be taken as a course of
conduct that constitutes a single matter for a complaint.
(4) A complaint must be in writing and include the following information:
(a) the name and contact information of the complainant;
(b) the name or identity of the judicial officer or ordinary member
of NTCAT who is the subject of the complaint;
(c) the grounds for the complaint;
(d) a summary of the facts relevant to the complaint;
(e) any other information prescribed by regulation.
41 Referral to Judicial Commission
(1) The Minister may refer to the Judicial Commission any matter
relating to the behaviour or the physical or mental capacity of a
judicial officer or an ordinary member of NTCAT.
(2) Any matter referred to the Judicial Commission by the Minister
under subsection (1), or by the ICAC under section 25A of the
Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2017, is taken
to be a complaint lodged with the Judicial Commission.
Division 2 Acting on complaint
42 Preliminary examination of complaint
(1) The Judicial Commission must conduct a preliminary examination
of a complaint as efficiently and expeditiously as possible.
(2) The Judicial Commission may initiate the inquiries into the subject
matter of the complaint that the Commission considers appropriate.
(3) The preliminary examination and any inquiries made by the Judicial
Commission must, as far as practicable, be in private.
43 Matters related to complaint
(1) In dealing with a complaint, the Judicial Commission and any
investigation panel is not limited to the matters raised initially in the
complaint, and may consider other matters arising in the course of
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 2 Acting on complaint
Judicial Commission Act 2020 21
dealing with it either as part of the original complaint or constituting
a new complaint.
(2) If the matter arising constitutes grounds for a complaint about
another judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT, the Judicial
Commission and any investigation panel may consider the new
matter as a complaint against that other judicial officer or ordinary
member.
44 Grounds to dismiss complaint
(1) The Judicial Commission may dismiss all or part of a complaint if it
is satisfied on reasonable grounds of any of the following:
(a) the complaint is frivolous or vexatious or not made in good
faith;
(b) the complaint is trivial;
(c) the matter is one for which a complaint may not be made
under section 40(2);
(d) there is or was available another satisfactory means of dealing
with the matter;
(e) the matter is the subject of legal proceedings and should more
properly be the subject of an appeal;
(f) the matter happened so far in the past that it does not justify
further consideration;
(g) the matter arose before the person who is the subject of the
complaint was appointed as a judicial officer or an ordinary
member of NTCAT, unless it appears to the Judicial
Commission that the matter could justify the removal from
office or termination of appointment of the judicial officer or
ordinary member;
(h) the person who is the subject of the complaint is no longer a
judicial officer or an ordinary member of NTCAT;
(i) the matter relates to the private life of a judicial officer or an
ordinary member of NTCAT that cannot reasonably be
considered to affect, or have affected, either:
(i) the judicial officer's or ordinary member's suitability to
hold office; or
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 2 Acting on complaint
Judicial Commission Act 2020 22
(ii) the judicial officer's or ordinary member's performance of
the functions or exercise of the powers of the officer's or
member's office;
(j) having regard to all the circumstances, further consideration of
the complaint is unnecessary or unjustifiable.
(2) In deciding whether or not to dismiss a complaint, the Judicial
Commission may have regard to any matter it considers relevant.
(3) To avoid doubt, a matter that arose before the commencement of
this Act may be the subject of a complaint and is not to be
dismissed for that reason alone.
45 Vexatious complainants
(1) The Judicial Commission may declare a person to be a vexatious
complainant if the person persistently, without reasonable grounds,
makes complaints against one or more judicial officers or ordinary
members of NTCAT.
(2) The Judicial Commission may disregard any complaint made by a
person it has declared to be a vexatious complainant.
46 Giving notice
(1) If the complaint is dismissed after its preliminary examination under
section 42, the Judicial Commission must give written notice of the
dismissal to:
(a) the complainant; and
(b) the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT who is the
subject of the complaint.
(2) The notice under subsection (1) must include:
(a) a summary of the complaint; and
(b) the reasons for the dismissal.
(3) If the complaint is not dismissed after its preliminary examination
under section 42, the Judicial Commission must give the judicial
officer or ordinary member of NTCAT who is the subject of the
complaint written notice of:
(a) a summary of the complaint; and
(b) the right of the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT to
respond to the complaint under section 47.
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 2 Acting on complaint
Judicial Commission Act 2020 23
(4) The Judicial Commission may refuse to disclose information under
subsection (2) to the complainant if the Commission considers the
disclosure would be contrary to the public interest.
47 Opportunity to respond to complaint
(1) The Judicial Commission must give the judicial officer or ordinary
member of NTCAT who is the subject of a complaint a reasonable
opportunity to respond to the complaint before:
(a) referring the matter to the head of jurisdiction under
section 49; or
(b) establishing an investigation panel under section 50.
(2) The judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT who is the subject
of a complaint may respond in writing to a complaint.
48 Options for taking action
(1) After considering any response given under section 47(2), the
Judicial Commission may take one of the following actions:
(a) dismiss the complaint under section 44;
(b) refer the complaint to the head of jurisdiction under section 49;
(c) establish an investigation panel to investigate the complaint
under section 50.
(2) The Judicial Commission must give written notice of the action
taken under subsection (1) to:
(a) the complainant; and
(b) the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT who is the
subject of the complaint.
(3) If the complaint is dismissed under section 44, the Judicial
Commission must give written notice of the dismissal to:
(a) the complainant; and
(b) the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT who is the
subject of the complaint.
(4) The notice under subsection (3) must include:
(a) a summary of the complaint; and
(b) the reasons for the dismissal.
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 3 Examination and investigation by investigation panel
Judicial Commission Act 2020 24
(5) The Judicial Commission may refuse to disclose information under
subsection (4) to the complainant if the Commission considers the
disclosure would be contrary to the public interest.
49 Referral to head of jurisdiction
(1) The Judicial Commission may refer a complaint to the head of
jurisdiction if the Commission is satisfied on reasonable grounds
that:
(a) the complaint is partly or wholly substantiated; and
(b) the complaint is not sufficiently serious to justify establishment
of an investigation panel under section 50.
(2) The Judicial Commission may include recommendations in its
referral as to what action should be taken in relation to the
complaint.
Division 3 Examination and investigation by investigation
panel
50 Establishment of investigation panel
The Judicial Commission must establish an investigation panel
under section 21 to examine and investigate a complaint if satisfied
on reasonable grounds that the complaint is sufficiently serious
that, if substantiated, it could justify the removal from office or
termination of appointment of the judicial officer or ordinary
member.
51 Examination and investigation by investigation panel
(1) An investigation panel must:
(a) conduct an examination of the complaint or complaints for
which it was established; and
(b) initiate the investigations into the subject matter of the
complaint that the panel thinks appropriate.
(2) The examination and investigations of an investigation panel must,
as far as practicable, take place in private.
52 Hearing by investigation panel
(1) An investigation panel may hold a hearing in connection with the
complaint.
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 3 Examination and investigation by investigation panel
Judicial Commission Act 2020 25
(2) The investigation panel may determine whether a hearing is held in
public or in private.
(3) If a hearing or part of a hearing is to take place in private, the
investigation panel may give directions as to the persons who may
be present.
(4) The following persons may examine or cross-examine any witness
at a hearing on any matter that the investigation panel considers
relevant:
(a) a legal practitioner assisting the investigation panel;
(b) any person authorised by the investigation panel to appear
before it at the hearing;
(c) any legal practitioner representing a person at the hearing
under section 65;
(d) the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT who is the
subject of the complaint.
(5) The investigation panel may set limits on the examination and
cross-examination as the panel considers appropriate.
53 Dismissal of complaint by investigation panel
(1) An investigation panel must dismiss a complaint to the extent that it
is of the opinion that:
(a) the complaint should be dismissed on any of the grounds
specified in section 44; or
(b) the complaint is not substantiated.
(2) If an investigation panel dismisses a complaint, it must give a
written report setting out its determinations to:
(a) the Judicial Commission; and
(b) the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT who is the
subject of the complaint.
(3) An investigation panel must give the complainant written notice of
the dismissal of a complaint setting out the reasons for the
dismissal.
(4) An investigation panel may give a copy of the report required under
subsection (2), or a summary of the report, to the complainant.
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 4 Substantiation of complaint by investigation panel
Judicial Commission Act 2020 26
54 Termination of investigation panel
An investigation panel is terminated and the appointment of its
members is terminated, in relation to the complaint for which it was
established, when the panel completes its work by either:
(a) dismissing the complaint; or
(b) giving its report on the complaint to the head of jurisdiction
and the Judicial Commission under section 56; or
(c) giving its report on the complaint to the Administrator and the
Minister under section 57.
Division 4 Substantiation of complaint by investigation panel
55 Duty to report
An investigation panel must give a report under this Division if the
panel has not dismissed the complaint under section 53(1).
56 Report to head of jurisdiction
(1) The investigation panel must give a written report under this section
if it forms the opinion that the complaint does not justify
consideration of the removal from office or termination of
appointment of the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT
who is the subject of the complaint.
(2) The report must be given to the head of jurisdiction and set out the
investigation panel's findings of fact and its opinions.
(3) The report may include recommendations as to what action should
be taken in relation to the complaint.
(4) The investigation panel must give a copy of the report to the
following:
(a) the complainant;
(b) the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT who is the
subject of the complaint;
(c) the Judicial Commission.
Note for subsection (4)(a)
Under section 34, the investigation panel may refuse to disclose information to
the complainant if the disclosure would be contrary to the public interest.
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 5 Action in response to complaint
Judicial Commission Act 2020 27
57 Report to Administrator and Minister
(1) The investigation panel must give a written report under this section
if it forms the opinion that the complaint could justify consideration
of the removal from office or termination of appointment of the
judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT who is the subject of
the complaint.
(2) The report must be given to the Administrator and set out the
investigation panel's findings of fact and its opinions.
(3) The investigation panel must give a copy of the report to the
Minister.
(4) The Minister must, without delay, give a copy of the report to the
following:
(a) the head of jurisdiction;
(b) the Judicial Commission;
(c) the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT.
(5) The judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT may give the
Minister a written response to the report setting out the matters the
judicial officer or ordinary member considers relevant.
58 Tabling report before Legislative Assembly
The Minister must table a copy of any report or response, given to
the Minister under section 57, in the Legislative Assembly within
6 sitting days after the report or response is received by the
Minister.
Division 5 Action in response to complaint
59 Interim suspension
(1) If a complaint about a judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT
is being investigated by an investigation panel, the head of
jurisdiction may suspend the judicial officer or ordinary member
from performing functions or exercising powers of the officer's or
member's office.
(2) The suspension continues until the earlier of the following:
(a) the complaint is dismissed under section 53;
(b) a report is given to the head of jurisdiction under section 56;
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 5 Action in response to complaint
Judicial Commission Act 2020 28
(c) the head of jurisdiction otherwise terminates the suspension.
(3) While a judicial officer or an ordinary member of NTCAT is
suspended under subsection (1), the judicial officer or ordinary
member remains entitled to be paid the remuneration and
allowances to which the judicial officer or ordinary member is
otherwise entitled.
60 Action by head of jurisdiction
(1) After receiving a referral under section 49 or a report under
section 56, the head of jurisdiction may take one or more of the
following actions in respect of the judicial officer or ordinary
member of NTCAT who is the subject of the complaint:
(a) give or provide counselling;
(b) make recommendations regarding future conduct;
(c) exercise any other powers available to the head of jurisdiction.
Example for subsection (1)(c)
Direct the judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT to participate in
professional development or training.
(2) In taking action under subsection (1), the head of jurisdiction must
have regard to the matters and any recommendations in the referral
or report.
(3) The head of jurisdiction must give a written report to the Judicial
Commission stating the action taken under subsection (1) and the
reasons for that action.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the Judicial Commission must give a
copy of the head of jurisdiction's report to the complainant.
(5) The Judicial Commission must not disclose any information under
subsection (4) that is contrary to the public interest.
61 Removal of Supreme Court Judge from office
A Supreme Court Judge may be removed from office under
section 40(1) or (2) of the Supreme Court Act 1979 only if:
(a) a report from an investigation panel is received by the
Administrator under section 57(2); and
(b) the investigation panel states in the report its opinion that the
matter could justify the Judge's removal from office on the
ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
Part 3 Complaint process
Division 5 Action in response to complaint
Judicial Commission Act 2020 29
62 Removal of Associate Judge from office
An Associate Judge may be removed from office under section 41F
of the Supreme Court Act 1979 only if:
(a) a report from an investigation panel is received by the
Administrator under section 57(2); and
(b) the investigation panel states in the report its opinion that the
matter could justify the Judge's removal from office because
the Associate Judge:
(i) has become incapable of performing the duties of the
office, other than by reason of temporary illness; or
(ii) is guilty of misbehaviour.
63 Termination of appointment of Local Court Judge
(1) The appointment of a Local Court Judge, other than an acting Local
Court Judge, may be terminated under section 57 of the Local
Court Act 2015 only if:
(a) a report from an investigation panel is received by the
Administrator under section 57(2); and
(b) the investigation panel states in the report its opinion that the
matter could justify the Judge's termination of appointment on
the grounds of incapacity or misbehaviour.
(2) The appointment of an acting Local Court Judge may be terminated
under section 63(d) of the Local Court Act 2015 with or without a
report from an investigation panel being received under section 57.
64 Termination of appointment of member of NTCAT
The appointment of a member of NTCAT may be terminated under
section 19 of the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative
Tribunal Act 2014 only if:
(a) a report from an investigation panel is received by the
Administrator under section 57(2); and
(b) the investigation panel states in the report its opinion that the
matter could justify the member's termination of appointment
on the grounds of incapacity or misbehaviour.
Part 4 Miscellaneous matters
Judicial Commission Act 2020 30
Part 4 Miscellaneous matters
65 Legal representation
(1) A judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT who is the subject
of a complaint is entitled to appear and to be represented by a legal
practitioner during proceedings under this Act.
(2) A person summoned to attend or who appears as a witness in
proceedings under this Act may be represented by a legal
practitioner.
(3) In circumstances other than those referred to in subsection (1)
or (2), a person may participate in proceedings under this Act, and
be represented by a legal practitioner, only with the consent of the
Judicial Commission or an investigation panel.
66 Procedure
In conducting its proceedings, the Judicial Commission and an
investigation panel:
(a) are not bound by the rules of evidence; and
(b) may inform themselves in any manner they consider
appropriate; and
(c) may do whatever they consider necessary or expedient for the
fair and expeditious examination or investigation into a
complaint.
67 Contempt
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally engages in conduct in the face, or
within the hearing, of the Judicial Commission or an
investigation panel; and
(b) the conduct would constitute contempt of court, if the Judicial
Commission or an investigation panel were a court of record,
and the person is reckless in relation to that result.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for
6 months.
(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
Part 4 Miscellaneous matters
Judicial Commission Act 2020 31
68 Self-incrimination
(1) A person required to answer a question, give information or
produce a document or thing under this Act is not excused from
doing so on the ground that the answer, information, document or
thing might tend to incriminate the person or make the person liable
to a penalty.
(2) However, the answer, information, document or thing is not
admissible in evidence against the person in a civil or criminal
proceeding except a proceeding for:
(a) an offence in which the falsity or misleading nature of the
answer, information, document or thing is relevant; or
(b) an offence against section 76 to 81, 93, 95 to 97, 99 to 104,
109, 118 or 119 of the Criminal Code.
Note for subsection (2)(b)
These Criminal Code offences relate to disclosure of confidential information,
corruption, abuse of office, perjury and other offences against the administration
of law, justice and public authority.
69 Reimbursement of witness's expenses
A witness appearing before the Judicial Commission or an
investigation panel is entitled to be paid by the Territory for the
witness's expenses for attendance in accordance with the Supreme
Court's scale of costs.
70 Payment of costs and expenses of judicial officer or ordinary
member of NTCAT
The reasonable costs and reasonable expenses incurred by a
judicial officer or ordinary member of NTCAT, who is the subject of
a complaint, for appearance and legal representation in respect of
proceedings under this Act are to be paid by the Territory.
71 Protection of members
A member of the Judicial Commission or an investigation panel
has, in the performance of functions or exercise of powers of office,
the same protection and immunity as a Justice of the High Court of
Australia.
Part 4 Miscellaneous matters
Judicial Commission Act 2020 32
72 Protection of staff
(1) The principal officer or another member of the staff of the Judicial
Commission is not civilly liable for an act done or omitted to be
done by the person in good faith in the exercise of a power or
performance of a function under this Act.
(2) Subsection (1) does not affect any liability the Territory would, apart
from that subsection, have for the act or omission.
(3) In this section:
exercise of a power includes the purported exercise of the power.
performance of a function includes the purported performance of
the function.
73 Offence to disclose certain information
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person obtains information in the course of performing a
function connected with the administration of this Act or
exercising a power under this Act; and
(b) the information is confidential and the person is reckless in
relation to that circumstance; and
(c) the person intentionally engages in conduct; and
(d) the conduct results in the disclosure of the information and the
disclosure is not:
(i) for a purpose connected with the administration of this
Act, including a legal proceeding arising out of the
operation of this Act; or
(ii) to a person who is otherwise entitled to the
information; and
(e) the person is reckless in relation to the result and
circumstance referred to in paragraph (d).
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1)(a).
Part 4 Miscellaneous matters
Judicial Commission Act 2020 33
(3) If the information referred to in subsection (1) relates to a person, it
is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against that subsection
if the person has consented to the disclosure of the information.
Note for subsection (3)
In addition to the circumstances mentioned in this section, a person who
discloses information mentioned in this section will not be criminally responsible
for an offence if the disclosure is justified or excused by or under a law (see
section 43BE of the Criminal Code).
74 Misleading information
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally gives information to another person;
and
(b) the other person is an authorised officer; and
(c) the information is misleading and the person has knowledge of
that circumstance; and
(d) the authorised officer is acting in an official capacity and the
person has knowledge of that circumstance.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person intentionally gives a document to another person;
and
(b) the other person is an authorised officer; and
(c) the document contains misleading information and the person
has knowledge of that circumstance; and
(d) the authorised officer is acting in an official capacity and the
person has knowledge of that circumstance.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
(3) Strict liability applies to subsections (1)(b) and (2)(b).
Part 4 Miscellaneous matters
Judicial Commission Act 2020 34
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) or (2) if the person, when giving the information or
document:
(a) draws the misleading aspect of the information or document to
the authorised officer's attention; and
(b) to the extent to which the person can reasonably do so – gives
the authorised officer the information necessary to remedy the
misleading aspect of the information or document.
Note for subsection (4)
The defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters mentioned (see
section 43BU of the Criminal Code).
(5) In this section:
acting in an official capacity, in relation to an authorised officer,
means the officer is exercising powers or performing functions
under, or otherwise related to the administration of, this Act.
authorised officer means any of the following:
(a) a member of the Judicial Commission;
(b) the principal officer or another member of the staff of the
Judicial Commission;
(c) a legal practitioner acting for the Judicial Commission or an
investigation panel;
(d) a member of an investigation panel.
75 Giving information to Minister
(1) The Judicial Commission must give written notice to the Minister
when:
(a) it establishes an investigation panel to investigate a complaint;
and
(b) the investigation panel completes its work in relation to a
complaint.
(2) The Judicial Commission must, at the request of the Minister, give
the Minister the following information in relation to a specific judicial
officer or ordinary member of NTCAT:
(a) whether a complaint was made;
(b) when a complaint was made;
Part 4 Miscellaneous matters
Judicial Commission Act 2020 35
(c) the subject matter of any complaint and when the subject
matter is alleged to have occurred;
(d) the status of any complaint;
(e) the results of any investigation;
(f) any action taken as a result of a complaint.
(3) Despite subsection (2), the Judicial Commission may refuse to
provide information under that subsection if:
(a) an investigation panel is not established to investigate the
complaint; and
(b) the Commission considers providing the information is
contrary to the public interest.
(4) When providing the Minister with information about a complaint
under this section, the Judicial Commission may also provide other
information that the Commission considers relevant.
76 Annual report
(1) Each financial year, the Judicial Commission must give the Minister
a written report about the work and activities of the Commission
and any investigation panel established by the Commission.
(2) The report must include the following information in relation to the
financial year:
(a) the number of complaints received by, or referred to, the
Judicial Commission;
(b) the number of complaints dismissed and the grounds for
dismissal;
(c) the number of complaints not dismissed and the results of the
investigation;
(d) a description, including statistics if appropriate, of any patterns
in the nature and scope of the complaints.
(3) The report may include recommendations for changes to:
(a) this Act and any regulations; and
(b) the Judicial Commission's functions and powers; and
(c) any related administrative matters.
Part 4 Miscellaneous matters
Judicial Commission Act 2020 36
(4) The report must not identify any person who is the subject of a
complaint, unless the person is the subject of a public hearing or is
found guilty of an offence connected with the complaint.
(5) The report must be given to the Minister by 30 September following
the end of the financial year to which it relates.
(6) The Minister must table a copy of the report in the Legislative
Assembly within 6 sitting days after the Minister receives the report.
77 Approved forms
(1) The chairperson of the Judicial Commission may approve forms for
this Act.
(2) The chairperson of the Judicial Commission must publish an
approved form on the Judicial Commission's website.
78 Regulations
The Administrator may make regulations under this Act.
Note for section 78
See section 65 of the Interpretation Act 1978.
ENDNOTES
Judicial Commission Act 2020 37
ENDNOTES
1 KEY
Key to abbreviations
amd = amended od = order
app = appendix om = omitted
bl = by-law pt = Part
ch = Chapter r = regulation/rule
cl = clause rem = remainder
div = Division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired rep = repealed
f = forms s = section
Gaz = Gazette sch = Schedule
hdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision
ins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation
lt = long title sub = substituted
nc = not commenced
2 LIST OF LEGISLATION
Judicial Commission Act 2020 (Act No. 17, 2020)
Assent date 1 July 2020
Commenced 10 November 2021 (Gaz G45, 10 November 2021, p 1
Statute Law Division Act 2020 (Act No. 26, 2020)
Assent date 19 November 2020
Commenced 20 November 2020 (s 2)
3 LIST OF AMENDMENTS
pt 5 hdg rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
pt 5
div 1 hdg rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
ss 79 – 83 rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
pt 5
div 2 hdg rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
ss 84 – 85 rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
pt 5
div 3 hdg rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
ss 86 – 87 rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
pt 5
div 4 hdg rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
ss 88 – 89 rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
pt 5
div 5 hdg rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
ss 90 – 92 rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
pt 5
div 6 hdg ins No. 26, 2020, s 3
rep No. 17, 2020, s 93
s 93 ins No. 26, 2020, s 3
rep No. 17, 2020, s 93