Editing Edmund Barton (section)

===Retirement===
On 24 September 1903, Barton resigned as prime minister to become one of the founding justices of the High Court of Australia. Speculation about his political future had been rife for several months, particularly after the ''[[Judiciary Act 1903]]'' was passed in August. There were several factors at play in his decision to retire from politics. Some within his own party thought that he lacked the energy and commitment to continue as the leader of the government.{{sfn|Abjorensen|2015}} Barton had also suffered from bouts of ill health, including a fainting spell in his office earlier in the year. He was advised by his doctor to quit active politics. Finally, he had a history of financial difficulties and appreciated the security that a lifetime appointment would bring.{{sfn|Bolton|2000|p=294}} The appointment of the new judges was made by the governor-general on the advice of cabinet, many of whom had ambitions of their own and encouraged Barton to accept the post.{{sfn|Abjorensen|2015}} His appointment was largely uncontroversial, given his role in drafting the constitution, experience as a barrister, and acceptance of a [[puisne judge]]ship rather than the position of [[Chief Justice of Australia|chief justice]].{{sfn|Bolton|2000|p=299}}