CANBERRA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Solicitor-General, Justin Gleeson has on Monday resigned from his post, citing a feud between himself and Attorney-General George Brandis as the basis for his decision.
Earlier this month, Gleeson and Brandis engaged in a public war of words during a Senate enquiry, and on Monday, Gleeson said his relationship with the Attorney-General was "irretrievable broken."
The Solicitor-General position is the nation's second highest legal position behind the Attorney-General, and the person in the role acts as legal counsel for the Commonwealth government, while they also provide legal advice to MPs.
Gleeson said the Commonwealth deserved a Solicitor-General who could sustain a "mutually respectful" relationship with Brandis.
"I have come to this conclusion with regret, but the best interests of the Commonwealth can be served only when its first and second law officers enjoy each other's complete trust and confidence within a mutually respectful relationship," Gleeson's resignation letter - sent to Brandis on Monday - said.
During the disagreement, Gleeson claimed he was not consulted by Brandis on marriage equality and citizenship laws.
He also said he was left in the dark when a decision was made to block the Solicitor-General from providing legal advice to anyone in the government without approval by the Attorney-General.
Meanwhile Brandis maintained he met all of his obligations under the law in overseeing all decisions.
After Gleeson tendered his resignation, Brandis released a statement accepting the decision. He said an interim Solicitor-General would take Gleeson's place while the government searched for a full-time replacement.
"In the circumstances, Mr Gleeson's resignation is the proper course of action," a statement from Brandis said on Monday.
"I take this opportunity to thank you for your service as the Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth and wish you well in your future career."
Gleeson will formally step down from his post on Nov. 14.
