More women for Fed Court: A-G
From AAP
AAP
07feb02
THE federal Attorney-General has expressed concern over the lack of women on the benches of the Federal Court.
At a ceremonial sitting of the Federal Court of Australia, Daryl Williams said the quality of the judiciary was exemplary but did not reflect the diversity of Australian society.
"It is of particular concern that there are few women who practise in areas of Federal Court jurisdiction," he told the mainly white male members of the court.
Today's joint sitting of federal courts in capital cities across Australia was in celebration of 25 years of the court's existence.
Mr Williams said although the number of women in the judiciary was increasing, further inroads could be made.
"It may be possible in the near future to make further inroads, particularly in relation to the Federal Court, without compromising on the quality of appointments to the bench," he said.
He urged the court to continue its leading role in the development of the judiciary and law in Australia.
"The next challenge is to ensure that the next 25 years are as noteworthy, and as distinguished, as the last 25 years have been."