Map of Tasmania ... Minimal laughter at editor's oration to magistrates ... Lingering questions unanswered ... Ellis case
Rewards for Tassie offendersI made a flying visit to Van Diemen's Land to instruct the Madges on how to deal with the media.
Distinguished judges joined the forum - including Alan Blow CJ and Stephen Estcourt J.
Your editor was listened to politely, barely a ripple of laughter attended his jokes.
I was also briefed to get answers to a number of vital questions that dance constantly on the lips of Tasmanian lawyers:
- Is magistrate Reg Marron still hugging defendants?
- Did magistrate Cath Rheinberger bake a cake for a defendant?
- Is Chief Justice Blow creating a playpen in which the justices can bond and commune?
- When is solicitor general Sealy retiring?
I floated the proposed questions with one of the beaks, who advised that on no account should these matters be put to the gathering.
So, sadly, I came away without complete answers, although there has been some follow-up information.
According to one source, two cakes have been baked by Madge Cath. They are said to have come at the end of a successful drug rehabilitation programme.
No need for files to be embedded.
Perhaps the idea could spread to the Supremes where the island's most famous foodie, Estcourt J, could signal the acquittal of an accused person by throwing together some truffle infused pork chops.
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Suspended DPP Tim Ellis: wants a local Madge to try his case
Recent amendments to the Director of Public Prosecutions Act (Tas) 1973 have changed the lie of the land.
Attorney General Brian Wightman announced that in accordance with the changes he has appointed deputy-DPP Daryl Coates SC to be acting DPP.
This means sol-general Leigh Sealy is no longer doubling-up as the top prosecutor.
Wightman also said that Tim Ellis has been "suspended" from the post (on full entitlements) until his driving charge has been finalised.
Curiously, all local beaks have disqualified themselves from trying the Ellis case and Chief Madge Michael Hill says that "the interests of justice" are better served by bringing in a mainlander.
Ellis is now seeking orders that Hill doesn't have the power to appoint an interstate magistrate. It's due for a hearing next month.