Justice Carmody is currently on one month’s sick leave for a back problem. Picture: Liam Kidston. Source: News Corp Australia

Yvette D’Ath is still refusing to comment on the skirmishes between Justice Carmody and his numerous opponents within the judiciary but is offering to help both sides work things out. “I’m happy to work with the judiciary in any way I can and will continue to work cooperatively with them in seeking any resolutions, but being very mindful there is a separation of powers,” the attorney-general said on Monday.

Ms D’Ath made the offer after a News Corp Australia report revealed that Justice John Byrne had used his phone to record a fiery exchange with Justice Carmody, in which the chief justice allegedly referred to his colleagues as “scum”.

The attorney-general spoke of having to deal “with the legacy” of the previous Liberal National Party government in relation to judicial appointments.

The chief justice was appointed by the LNP government from the position of chief magistrate.

At the time he had no experience on the Supreme Court bench. Ms D’Ath said having a proper protocol for judicial appointments was important and that the government was working on one.

The new report about Justice Carmody is yet another development in the increasingly bitter feud within the judiciary.

Last week, published emails revealed Court of Appeal President Margaret McMurdo refused to share the bench with her boss again. Justice Carmody is on one month’s sick leave for a back problem. The offices of Justice Byrne and the chief justice have refused to comment. AAP

RELATED

Palaszczuk: ‘End Carmody circus’

Private memo: Carmody vows to hang on