New legislation introduced to the WA Parliament this week would create an independent judicial watchdog to investigate concerns about the conduct and work capacity of judges and magistrates in Western Australia, according to reports. The proposal responds to complaints about how judges and magistrates behave and how effectively they carry out their roles. Under the proposed framework, the watchdog would assess allegations and complaints relating to judge and magistrate performance and behaviour. One report describes the focus as investigating judges described as “badly behaved,” while another frames the work as probing both behaviour and capacity. The legislation is expected to establish the watchdog’s role in receiving and examining complaints, with the aim of providing an external mechanism for addressing concerns within the legal system. The outlets agree on the core elements: a new independent body, investigations into complaints about judicial behaviour and capability, and the fact that the legislation is set to be introduced to the WA Parliament this week.