BAR COUNCIL APPLICATION OF Ms WENTWORTH
Mr HATTON: My question without notice is directed to the Attorney General. Did a meeting of the New South Wales Bar Council recently discuss an application from Ms Wentworth that it drop its opposition to her admission to the bar? Did the Bar
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Council decide to continue opposition to her admission out of concern for financial consequences to the bar of possible defamation action rather than the public interest? Will the Attorney General inquire and furnish me and the Parliament with a full report?
Mr COLLINS: I am aware of this issue coming before the Bar Council in recent weeks. As honourable members would know, the Bar Council is not a government instrumentality and does not come under my control or direction. It is entirely appropriate for the Bar Council to consider the matters that it has considered in relation to Ms Wentworth's application for admission. I shall make inquiries as to the outcome of those discussions and advise the honourable member in due course.