Like all of you, I have had a very busy period leading up to Christmas, and since my last communication.
Amongst other things, I welcomed Magistrate Mackey to the bench of the Magistrates Court of Tasmania. I wish her the best on what is a well deserved appointment and recognition of her leadership and ability .
Unfortunately, I was attending a meeting of the Presidents of the various Australian Law Societies and Law Council of Australia when Chief Justice Blow’s ceremonial sitting took place, but Vice President, Amelia Higgs, ably (and to be fair, probably did a better job than I would have), deputized for me. I would like to add my particular gratitude to the Chief Justice for his many years of service to the judiciary, as well as the profession and community in general. I am sure that I share with you our hope that he has a very pleasant and well deserved retirement.
The Attorney General has just announced the new appointments to our Supreme Court. I would like to congratulate both Justice Kate Cuthbertson SC as Judge, and Chris Shanahan SC as Chief Justice, and extend a very warm welcome to our incoming Chief Justice to Tasmania. Of course, Justice Cuthbertson is no stranger to our profession. Whilst we warmly welcome both to the bench, it is with some disappointment that I must report that the Government did not follow their own judicial appointment protocol in that the Society was not consulted regarding the appointment of the Chief Justice. For those interested in the protocol, click here. We are stakeholders and, whilst the decision is a matter for the Attorney General, the Society feels strongly that the protocol should be followed and that we expect consultation on all matters relevant to our profession and legislative change. I have expressed that view to the Attorney General and I am sure that is the intention moving forward.
A major topic discussed during my recent trip to Canberra was the upcoming anti-money laundering compliance regime, which will take effect on 1 July 2026. Whilst we will have time to prepare, and the detail hasn’t yet been decided, it will be a significant impost upon the profession. I will ensure that the full resources of the Society and its committees will be applied towards assisting firms to get ready and to attempt to reduce the anxiety and burden as far as may be. It is my intention to meet with as many firm leaders as possible over the early part of 2025 and will hopefully be able to shed some more light then.
Finally, I wish to take the opportunity to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, a relaxing break with family and friends and a happy new year.