The federal government's failure to appoint another judge to hear family law cases in Tasmania is leading to delays and angst for families, lawyers say.
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Law Society of Tasmania president Trevor McKenna said one judge based in Launceston was doing the work of two judges after a judge based in Hobart retired in November.
Mr McKenna said he raised the matter with Attorney-General Christian Porter before the judge retired and still no replacement had been appointed.
"The lack of a replacement judge means the state is left with one hard working specialist judge doing the work of two judges tackling difficult issues including family violence, child abuse and mental health.
"The delays in hearing cases exacerbate the emotions flowing from people separating.
"It is a concern not only to the legal profession but to the many Tasmanian families coming before the court that there has been no announcement."
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Mr McKenna said the failure to appoint a replacement judge in Hobart led to delays across the entire state.
He said matters were being adjourned because of "insufficient judicial resources".
"There is a single judge working tirelessly to assist families in resolving their complex disputes.
"It is unreasonable and unacceptable to expect a single judge should have undertake the work of two judges."
Mr McKenna said there were many talented family law lawyers "worthy of being appointed to the court".
A spokesman for Mr Porter said: "Appointments will be made and announced in the usual way."