The Court of Appeal ordered the removal of a solicitor from the Roll of Australian Lawyers following his conviction for offences involving solicitation and transmission of child abuse material using a carriage service. The Court confirmed that even where a practitioner consents to removal, the Court must independently satisfy itself of unfitness, and that costs follow the event in such proceedings notwithstanding the respondent's consent, because the application and its associated costs are the necessary consequence of the practitioner's conduct. Liberty was granted to apply for payment of costs in instalments, with the Court noting that the appropriateness of such an order depends on the quantum of costs and the respondent's financial position at the time of enforcement.
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