Senators to discuss proposal for register of judges’ interests

Independent Senator Victor Boyhan will table a motion calling for a consultation with judges on the introduction of a register, which would “foster a culture of openness and transparency” in the judiciary.

He added: “I, personally, would be uncomfortable if a judge was a member of a Masonic lodge, for example, or other secret society, and I think that should be declared, as should shares in financial institutions.”

Mr Boyhan also endorsed calls for a judicial council to regulate the conduct of the judiciary.

He pointed to the UK as evidence of cases where judges have been found to have conflicts of interest where they have not voluntarily recused themselves.