Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated ActsAppointment by Governor - General
(1) The President is to be appointed by the Governor - General, by written instrument, on the recommendation of the Minister.
(2) Before the Minister makes a recommendation to the Governor - General, the Minister must:
(a) consult the Chief Justice of the Federal Court; and
(b) be satisfied that the person was assessed, by a panel established under section 209, as suitable for the appointment through an assessment process that:
(i) was merit - based; and
(ii) included public advertising of the position; and
(iii) complied with the requirements (if any) prescribed by the regulations.
Qualification for appointment
(3) A person must not be appointed as the President unless the person is a Judge of the Federal Court.
Period of appointment
(4) The President holds office for a period of 5 years unless a shorter period is specified in the instrument of appointment.
(5) If the instrument of appointment specifies a shorter period, the instrument must state the reasons why the shorter period is specified.
Basis of appointment
(6) The President must be appointed on a salaried basis.
Reappointment
(7) A person may be reappointed as the President by written instrument made within 6 months before the end of the period specified in the person's instrument of appointment.
(8) Paragraph (2)(b) does not apply in relation to the reappointment of a person who, immediately before the start of the period of reappointment, holds office as the President under a previous appointment under subsection (1).