On 15 November 2001, the Bar Council of the New South Wales Bar Association noted that it had not been able to make a determination for the purposes of sec 38FC of the Legal Profession Act 1987, with respect to the notification made by Michael Anthony Coleman. The Bar Council further noted on that day that an indefinite statutory suspension of the practising certificate of Michael Anthony Coleman would follow in accordance with the provisions of sec 38FH of the Legal Profession Act, from midnight on Tuesday, 27 November 2001.

Section 38FG(2) of the Legal Profession Act 1987 requires the Legal Services Commissioner to take over the determination of the matter when a statutory suspension of a practising certificate arises. On 21 October 2002 the Legal Services Commissioner determined that the facts and circumstances surrounding the event of which Michael Anthony Coleman notified were not committed in circumstances which show that Michael Anthony Coleman is not a fit and proper person to hold a practising certificate.

On 7 November 2002, the Bar Council of the New South Wales Bar Association resolved, after having considered the report of the Legal Services Commissioner, and conditions agreed to by Michael Anthony Coleman to be attached to his practising certificate, that it would issue a practising certificate to Michael Anthony Coleman, effective from 8 November 2002.