Carmody still has Qld opposition's support

Queensland's opposition says Tim Carmody was appointed as the state's chief justice to reform the courts and still has their support.

Queensland chief justice Tim Carmody

A civil libertarian wants claims of bullying by Queensland judge Tim Carmody's (pic) backed up. (AAP)

Queensland's embattled chief justice was appointed to reform the courts and the new state government should support him, the opposition says.

Chief Justice Tim Carmody has offered to resign, subject to conditions including a reform of the courts, after enduring what two retired judges have described as a bullying campaign by a group of bitter judges.

As discussions about his offer to quit drag on, former attorney-general Jarrod Bleijie, the opposition's police spokesman, has called on the Palaszczuk government to indicate whether they have confidence in Justice Carmody.

"The real question now is does the attorney-general (Yvette D'Ath) and the premier have confidence in the chief justice? The opposition certainly does," Mr Bleijie said.

Justice Carmody's appointment by the former Newman government last year sparked a bitter feud between the judiciary, with some judges believing he wasn't experienced enough for the job.

Mr Bleijie said Justice Carmody was elevated to the role to embark on a reform of the courts.

"I wouldn't put a reforming chief justice there if I didn't think the courts needed to be reformed. He was sent there for a long period of time," Mr Bleijie said.

But last month Justice Carmody accepted his position had become untenable because of the infighting and dysfunction that had festered since his appointment.

Retired judges, Alastair Nicholson and Brian Boulton, have this week come to his defence, claiming Justice Carmody had been bullied out of the job.

Mr Nicholson has told The Courier-Mail that some members of the judiciary had "ganged-up on" the chief justice, who has taken extended sick leave for a back problem amid mounting pressure to quit.

But Queensland Council for Civil Liberties vice-president Terry O'Gorman says Mr Nicholson should release any evidence to back up his claims.

He also says the state's top judges, including Justice Carmody, should consent to the release of controversial email exchanges and the recording of an alleged tirade by the besieged chief justice.

Mr Bleijie said the entire saga had been painful for Justice Carmody and his family.

"Really no one in public life should have to go through that," he said.


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Source: AAP


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