Julian Burnside’s Nazi tweet the most ‘contemptible statement’ made by a Victorian Bar member

Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson says Julian Burnside’s tweet likening Israel to the Nazis is the most “contemptible statement” ever made by a senior member of the Victorian Bar.

Ms Henderson has lodged a formal complaint with the Victorian Bar Council about the incident, as there are a range of barrister’s rules in place to ensure “barristers do not bring the legal profession into disrepute”.

The Bar Council has responded stating there is no jurisdiction for its ethics committee to hear the complaint, however they have proposed it will be heard by the Legal Services Commissioner.

“Let’s not forget as a Queen’s Counsel, he occupies a position of great eminence,” Ms Henderson said.

“Only the most respected and eminent barristers become queen’s counsels, it’s a very, very special appointment.

“That’s why I have raised whether he is a fit and proper person to continue to retain the appointment of queen’s counsel.”

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