In the matter of questions referred to the Court of Disputed Returns pursuant to section 376 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) concerning
Mr Scott Ludlam

Catchwords

Questions referred by the Senate - Court of Disputed Returns - Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) - s376, s377 - Qualification of Senator - Constitution - s44(i)

Questions:

1. whether by reason of s 44(i) of the Constitution there is a vacancy in the representation of Western Australia in the Senate for the place for which Senator Ludlam was returned;
2. if the answer to Question (a) is “yes”, by what means and in what manner that vacancy should be filled;
3. if the answer to Question (a) is “no”, is there a causal vacancy in the representation of Western Australia in the Senate within the meaning of s 15 of the Constitution; and
4. what directions and other orders, if any, should the Court make in order to hear and finally dispose of this reference.

Short particulars