4.
Question (c)
If the answer to Question (a) is "no", is there a casual vacancy in the representation of Western Australia in the Senate within the meaning of s 15 of the Constitution?
Answer
Does not arise.
Question (d)
What directions and other orders, if any, should the Court make in order to hear and finally dispose of this reference?
Answer
Unnecessary to answer.
Matter No C13/2017
The questions referred to the Court of Disputed Returns by the President of the Senate in his letter dated 9 August 2017 be answered as follows:
Question (a)
Whether by reason of s 44(i)[] of the Constitution there is a vacancy in the representation of Queensland in the Senate for the place for which Senator Waters was returned?
Answer
There is a vacancy by reason of s 44(i) of the Constitution in the representation of Queensland in the Senate for the place for which Ms Larissa Waters was returned.
Question (b)
If the answer to Question (a) is "yes", by what means and in what manner that vacancy should be filled?
