Hon Nick Goiran asks the Attorney General about the catalyst, consultation process, and concerns raised regarding the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal) Amendment Rules 2025. The Attorney General outlines the reasons for the amendments and states that no concerns were raised during consultation with judges.

AnsweredQoN 216Legislative Council
Asked
28 May 2025
Portfolio
Attorney General

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal) Amendment Rules 2025 , and I ask: (a) what was the catalyst for bringing about these amendments to the rules; (b) who was consulted prior to these amendment rules being finalised; (c) in reference to (b), did any person consulted raise any concerns; (d) if yes to (c), what were these concerns; (e) in reference to (d), have the finalised amendments addressed these concerns; and (f) if no to (e), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
12 August 2025
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General
Response time
8 days
a) The amendments were primarily made to address issues being experienced by the Court in respect to litigants in civil cases who file applications that are an abuse of process, send abusive and threatening communications to the Court, or act in a discourteous and disruptive manner during hearings. The amendments to the rules:
·         regulate communications with the court and parties;
·         allow a single judge to deal with any interlocutory matters without the need for an oral hearing;
·         insert provisions in relation to abuses of process;
·         provide clarity in relation to accessing transcripts in criminal appeals; and
·         fix typographical errors.
b) The Supreme Court General Division and Court of Appeal judges.
c) No.
d) N/A
e) N/A
f) N/A

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