Queensland's chief justice insists he has no bias against Daniel Morcombe's killer despite holding meetings with a prominent child protection advocate.
Lawyers for Brett Peter Cowan, 44, are preparing to file an application to have Chief Justice Tim Carmody disqualified from hearing his appeal, citing a possible perception of bias.
Mr Carmody this month met with Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston - an appointment he says that was publicly declared on his calendar and attended by an independent third party.
The meeting was to discuss "an information solution system for reducing administrative expenses and burdens associated with child protection matters" relating to the 2013 Child Protection Inquiry report, he told the Supreme Court on Friday.
Cowan's defence counsel then demanded more information, which was refused.
Mr Carmody insisted it was standard practice to meet with community leaders, "even if they possess a general intellectual or emotional interest in a matter before the court, or its outcome".
"None of these meetings impede my neutrality or impartial discharge of my judicial function," he said.
"Ms Johnston and I do not have a relevant, close and continuing relationship that would impact on the impartiality of my decisions or processes."
But Cowan's barrister Peter Davis said later emails exchanged between the pair, in which she referred to him as "Tim" and included a smiley face, showed they were close.
"That's my name, Mr Davis," Mr Carmody replied.
"It doesn't matter if I'm the chief justice or the chief street sweeper, that's still my name."
Mr Davis said the interest of Bravehearts was directly contrary to those of Cowan.
"It's not suggested for a moment that Bravehearts is a dubious organisation, however it's a lobby group and Mr Cowan is someone who has been directly targeted by that very lobby group," Mr Davis said.
Mr Davis noted Ms Johnston had also been a supporter of Mr Carmody's in the face of criticism over his "controversial" appointment.
Director of Public Prosecutions Tony Moynihan said the situation was unprecedented and there should be no "next step" until the application is actually filed.
Cowan was last year sentenced to life behind bars with a non-parole period of 20 years.
The attorney-general is appealing the sentence on the basis it was inadequate, while Cowan's legal team has also mounted an appeal.
Share
