Commonwealth Numbered Acts

HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA ACT 1979 No. 137 of 1979 - SECT 9

9. Whenever-

   (a)  the Chief Justice is absent from Australia or is unable or unavailable
        to perform the duties of his office; or

   (b)  there is a vacancy in the office of Chief Justice, the next senior
        Justice who is in Australia and is able and willing to do so shall
        perform the duties, and may exercise the powers, of the Chief Justice,
        and shall, during any period of absence of the Chief Justice from
        Australia or during a vacancy in the office of Chief Justice, be
        designated Acting Chief Justice.