Judicial Conduct Panel Special Counsel appointed

Dr Walter Sofronoff QC, Solicitor-General of Queensland, has been appointed Special Counsel to the Judicial Conduct Panel to inquire further into complaints against Justice Wilson, Acting Attorney-General Judith Collins said today.

Ms Collins has Acting Attorney-General responsibilities as they specifically relate to complaints concerning Justice Wilson.

The Attorney-General must appoint and instruct a person to act as Special Counsel in an inquiry by a Judicial Conduct Panel, as set out in the Act.

At the hearing the Special Counsel presents the allegations about the conduct of the judge concerned, and may make submissions on questions of procedure or applicable law that are raised during the proceedings.

Luke Cunningham & Clere, the Wellington Crown Solicitor's office, will be the instructing solicitors and a partner, Dale La Hood, is acting.