Former parliamentary Speaker Peter Slipper will stand trial on charges of defrauding taxpayers despite expert evidence he's suffering a major depressive disorder.
ACT Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker has ruled that a seven-day trial scheduled for July should proceed.
She says she's satisfied that it's more appropriate for the matter go to trial.
Lawyers for Slipper had hoped to have the charges dismissed on mental health grounds.
Ms Walker conceded there was evidence that he suffered a "severe depressive disorder", but said the matter should proceed.
Despite the alleged offences involving only a "small" amount of money - less than $1000 - the matter was important given the public interest.
"The defendant held one of the most significant positions of trust in the country."
After making her ruling, Ms Walker spoke directly to Slipper, telling him that he is not a "pariah" of the court and that the allegations are still to be proven.
She urged him to seek help should he experience feelings of desperation.
"The court is very concerned about the way you've been feeling," Ms Walker said.
Slipper, who has previously failed in a bid to secure a stay in proceedings citing parliamentary privilege, left court without speaking to waiting media.
The matters which brought Slipper to court relate to the alleged misuse of Commonwealth CabCharge vouchers on three occasions in 2010.
Slipper denies the charges.
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