2016-2017-2018

 

The Parliament of the

Commonwealth of Australia

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 

 

 

 

As read a third time

 

 

 

 

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Bill 2018

 

No.      , 2018

 

 

 

 

 

A Bill for an Act relating to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and for other purposes

   

   

   

Contents

Chapter 1—Introduction                                                                                        2

Part 1—Introduction                                                                                                             2

Division 1—Preliminary                                                                                               2

1............ Short title............................................................................................. 2

2............ Commencement................................................................................... 2

3............ Crown to be bound............................................................................. 3

4............ External Territories.............................................................................. 3

Division 2—Objects of this Act                                                                                4

5............ Objects of this Act.............................................................................. 4

Division 3—Simplified outline of this Act                                                            5

6............ Simplified outline of this Act.............................................................. 5

Part 2—Definitions                                                                                                                 7

7............ Definitions.......................................................................................... 7

Chapter 2—Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia                 18

8............ Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.................................. 18

9............ Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1).............. 18

10.......... Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).............. 18

Chapter 3—Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)                20

Part 1—Constitution                                                                                                           20

Division 1—Constitution                                                                                            20

11.......... Appointment of Judges..................................................................... 20

12.......... Judges to be assigned to particular location....................................... 20

13.......... Authorised Judges may manage classes of proceedings................... 21

14.......... Style.................................................................................................. 21

15.......... Seniority............................................................................................ 22

16.......... Oath or affirmation of allegiance and office...................................... 22

Division 2—Terms and conditions of judges                                                   24

17.......... Remuneration.................................................................................... 24

18.......... Resignation from office..................................................................... 24

19.......... Removal from office......................................................................... 24

Division 3—Judges of 2 or more courts                                                            25

20.......... Dual appointments............................................................................ 25

21.......... Judge also holding office of a prescribed court................................. 25

22.......... Judge also holding office of a State Family Court............................. 26

Division 4—Acting Chief Justice                                                                           27

23.......... Acting Chief Justice.......................................................................... 27

Part 2—Jurisdiction                                                                                                             28

Division 1—Original jurisdiction                                                                          28

24.......... Original jurisdiction.......................................................................... 28

Division 2—Appellate jurisdiction                                                                        29

25.......... Appeals from courts of summary jurisdiction in relation to family law or child support matters              29

Division 3—Associated matters                                                                             30

26.......... Jurisdiction in associated matters...................................................... 30

Division 4—Exercise of jurisdiction                                                                    31

27.......... Exercise of jurisdiction...................................................................... 31

28.......... Determination of matter completely and finally................................. 31

Division 5—Certain powers relating to matters of jurisdiction           32

29.......... Making of orders and issuing writs.................................................. 32

30.......... Contempt of court............................................................................. 32

Division 6—Administration                                                                                      33

31.......... Arrangement of business.................................................................. 33

32.......... Complaints........................................................................................ 34

33.......... Protection for the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice................. 35

Part 3—Transfer of proceedings                                                                                 37

34.......... Discretionary transfer of proceedings to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)                37

35.......... Rules of Court................................................................................... 38

36.......... Delegation......................................................................................... 39

Part 4—Appeals                                                                                                                     40

37.......... Appeals to the High Court may not be brought................................. 40

Part 5—Practice and procedure                                                                                  41

Division 1—General                                                                                                     41

38.......... Practice and procedure...................................................................... 41

39.......... Representation................................................................................... 41

Division 2—Documents filed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)             43

40.......... Filing of documents in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)           43

41.......... Seal of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) 43

42.......... Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) stamps.. 44

43.......... Writs etc............................................................................................ 44

44.......... Proceedings may be instituted by application.................................... 45

45.......... Limits on length of documents.......................................................... 45

Division 3—Conduct of proceedings                                                                   46

46.......... Place of sitting................................................................................... 46

47.......... Change of venue............................................................................... 46

47A....... Formal defects not to invalidate......................................................... 46

Division 4—Case management                                                                               47

48.......... Overarching purpose of family law practice and procedure provisions 47

49.......... Parties to act consistently with the overarching purpose................... 48

50.......... Power of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) to give directions about practice and procedure in a civil proceeding.......................................................................... 49

51.......... Chief Justice to achieve common approaches to case management with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)....................................................................................... 50

Division 5—Evidence                                                                                                   51

52.......... Oaths and affirmations...................................................................... 51

53.......... Swearing of affidavits etc.................................................................. 51

53A....... Orders and commissions for examination of witnesses.................... 53

Division 6—Judgments                                                                                               54

54.......... Reserved judgments etc..................................................................... 54

Division 7—Common approaches with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)                                                                                                                       55

55.......... Chief Justice to achieve common approaches with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).......................................................................................................... 55

Division 8—Rules of Court                                                                                       56

56.......... Rules of Court................................................................................... 56

Part 6—Management and administration                                                             58

Division 1—Management responsibilities of the Chief Justice              58

57.......... Management of administrative affairs of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)                58

58.......... Arrangements with other courts........................................................ 59

59.......... Arrangements with agencies or organisations................................... 60

60.......... Arrangements for sharing courtrooms and other facilities................. 61

61.......... Advisory committees........................................................................ 61

Division 2—Chief Executive Officer                                                                   63

62.......... Chief Executive Officer..................................................................... 63

63.......... Powers of Chief Executive Officer................................................... 63

Division 3—Registries and registrars                                                                 64

64.......... Registries.......................................................................................... 64

65.......... Registrars and Deputy Registrars...................................................... 64

66.......... Powers exercisable by Chief Executive Officer, Registrars and Deputy Registrars 64

67.......... Delegation......................................................................................... 67

68.......... Independence of delegates................................................................. 69

69.......... Review of power exercised by delegate............................................ 69

70.......... Oath or affirmation of office............................................................. 70

Division 4—Other officers and staff                                                                    72

71.......... Officers of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)             72

72.......... Marshal............................................................................................. 73

73.......... Delegation by Registry Managers..................................................... 74

Division 5—Miscellaneous administrative matters                                      75

74.......... Procedural information to be given to unrepresented parties............. 75

75.......... Annual report.................................................................................... 75

76.......... Delegation of administrative powers of Chief Justice....................... 75

77.......... Proceedings arising out of administration of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)          75

78.......... Protection of persons involved in handling etc. complaints............... 76

Chapter 4—Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)                77

Part 1—Constitution                                                                                                           77

Division 1—Constitution                                                                                            77

79.......... Appointment of Judges..................................................................... 77

80.......... Assignment of Judges to Divisions.................................................. 77

81.......... Authorised Judges may manage classes of proceedings................... 78

82.......... Style.................................................................................................. 78

83.......... Oath or affirmation of office............................................................. 79

Division 2—Terms and conditions of serving Judges                                 80

84.......... Remuneration.................................................................................... 80

85.......... Leave................................................................................................. 80

86.......... Outside work.................................................................................... 80

87.......... Other terms and conditions............................................................... 81

88.......... Resignation from office..................................................................... 81

89.......... Removal from office......................................................................... 81

Division 3—Disability and death benefits                                                         82

90.......... Certification of retired disabled Judges............................................. 82

91.......... Pensions for retired disabled Judges................................................. 82

92.......... Superannuation for retired disabled Judges....................................... 83

93.......... Death benefits................................................................................... 84

94.......... Relationship definitions..................................................................... 86

95.......... Meaning of eligible child ................................................................... 88

96.......... Appropriation.................................................................................... 89

Division 4—Judges of 2 or more courts                                                            90

97.......... Dual appointments............................................................................ 90

Division 5—Acting Chief Judge                                                                             91

98.......... Acting Chief Judge........................................................................... 91

Part 2—Jurisdiction                                                                                                             93

Division 1—Original jurisdiction                                                                          93

99.......... Original jurisdiction—general........................................................... 93

100........ Original jurisdiction—family law or child support matters............... 93

101........ Original jurisdiction—Commonwealth tenancy disputes.................. 94

Division 2—Appellate jurisdiction                                                                        96

102........ Appeals from courts of summary jurisdiction in relation to family law or child support matters              96

Division 3—Associated matters                                                                             97

103........ Jurisdiction in associated matters...................................................... 97

Division 4—Exercise of jurisdiction                                                                    98

104........ General and Fair Work Divisions of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)      98

105........ Exercise of jurisdiction—open court or in Chambers........................ 99

106........ Exercise of jurisdiction.................................................................... 100

107........ Determination of matter completely and finally............................... 101

Division 5—Certain powers relating to matters of jurisdiction         102

108........ Making of orders and issue of writs............................................... 102

109........ Declarations of right........................................................................ 102

110........ Contempt of court........................................................................... 102

111........ Summary judgment......................................................................... 103

Division 6—Administration                                                                                    104

112........ Arrangement of business................................................................ 104

113........ Complaints...................................................................................... 105

114........ Exercise of powers of General and Fair Work Divisions of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)..................................................................................... 106

115........ Assignment of Judges to locations or registries.............................. 107

116........ Protection for the Chief Judge and Deputy Chief Judge................. 107

Part 3—Transfer of proceedings                                                                               109

Division 1—Transfer of proceedings to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)                                                                                                                     109

117........ Discretionary transfer of proceedings............................................. 109

118........ Rules of Court................................................................................. 110

119........ Delegation....................................................................................... 111

Division 2—Transfer of proceedings to the Federal Court                  112

120........ Discretionary transfer of proceedings............................................. 112

121........ Rules of Court................................................................................. 113

Part 4—Appeals                                                                                                                   114

122........ Appeals to the High Court may not be brought............................... 114

Part 5—Dispute resolution for proceedings other than proceedings under the Family Law Act 1975                                                                                                                                     115

Division 1—General                                                                                                   115

123........ This Part does not apply to proceedings under the Family Law Act 1975                 115

124........ Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) to consider whether to advise people to use dispute resolution processes......................................................................................... 115

125........ Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) to advise people to use dispute resolution processes   115

126........ Duty of legal practitioners to consider whether to advise people to use dispute resolution processes      116

127........ Officers of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) to advise people about dispute resolution processes......................................................................................... 116

128........ Conciliation..................................................................................... 117

129........ Referral of question of law—dispute resolution process (other than arbitration)      117

130........ Rules of Court about dispute resolution processes.......................... 118

131........ Regulations about dispute resolution processes.............................. 118

132........ Rules of Court about costs of dispute resolution processes............ 119

133........ Rules of Court about dispute resolution processes under the Family Law Act 1975                 119

134........ Consent orders................................................................................ 119

Division 2—Proceedings other than family law or child support proceedings   120

135........ Scope of Division........................................................................... 120

136........ Mediation........................................................................................ 120

137........ Arbitration....................................................................................... 121

138........ Power of arbitrator to refer question of law to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)       121

139........ Review of arbitration award on a question of law etc...................... 122

140........ Arbitration awards.......................................................................... 123

Part 6—Practice and procedure                                                                                124

Division 1—General                                                                                                   124

141........ Practice and procedure.................................................................... 124

142........ Representation................................................................................. 125

143........ Interrogatories and discovery.......................................................... 125

Division 2—Documents filed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)             126

144........ Filing of documents in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)           126

145........ Seal of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) 126

146........ Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) stamps 127

147........ Writs etc.......................................................................................... 127

148........ Proceedings may be instituted by application.................................. 128

149........ Limits on length of documents........................................................ 128

Division 3—Conduct of proceedings                                                                 129

150........ Place of sitting................................................................................. 129

151........ Change of venue............................................................................. 129

152........ Determination of proceedings without a jury.................................. 129

153........ Decisions without oral hearing........................................................ 129

154........ Limits on the length of oral argument.............................................. 129

155........ Written submissions........................................................................ 130

156........ Formal defects not to invalidate....................................................... 130

Division 4—Case management                                                                             131

157........ Overarching purpose of civil practice and procedure provisions..... 131

158........ Parties to act consistently with the overarching purpose................. 132

159........ Power of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) to give directions about practice and procedure in a civil proceeding........................................................................ 133

160........ Chief Judge to achieve common approaches to case management with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)..................................................................................... 134

Division 5—Evidence                                                                                                 135

161........ Oaths and affirmations.................................................................... 135

162........ Swearing of affidavits etc................................................................ 135

163........ Orders and commissions for examination of witnesses.................. 137

164........ Time limits on giving of testimony.................................................. 137

165........ Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) may question witnesses               137

166........ Evidence may be given orally or by affidavit.................................. 138

167........ Offences by witness........................................................................ 139

Division 6—Use of video links or audio links                                                141

168........ Testimony by video link or audio link............................................. 141

169........ Appearance of persons by video link or audio link......................... 142

170........ Making of submissions by video link or audio link........................ 142

171........ Conditions for use of video links and audio links........................... 143

172........ Putting documents to a person by video link or audio link.............. 145

173........ Administration of oaths and affirmations........................................ 145

174........ Expenses......................................................................................... 146

175........ New Zealand proceedings............................................................... 146

Division 7—Orders and judgments                                                                    147

176........ Orders............................................................................................. 147

177........ Reserved judgments etc................................................................... 147

178........ Interest up to judgment.................................................................... 147

179........ Interest on judgment........................................................................ 150

180........ Enforcement of judgment................................................................ 150

Division 8—Costs                                                                                                         151

181........ Costs............................................................................................... 151

182........ Security for costs............................................................................ 151

Division 9—Common approaches with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)                                                                                                                     153

183........ Chief Judge to achieve common approaches with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)  153

Division 10—Rules of Court                                                                                  154

184........ Rules of Court................................................................................. 154

185........ Documents...................................................................................... 155

186........ Service............................................................................................ 155

187........ Evidence.......................................................................................... 156

188........ Orders and judgments..................................................................... 156

189........ Costs............................................................................................... 157

190........ General............................................................................................ 157

191........ Incidental matters............................................................................ 159

Part 7—Suppression and non-publication orders                                           160

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                         160

192........ Powers of Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) not affected 160

193........ Other laws not affected................................................................... 160

194........ This Part does not apply to proceedings under the Family Law Act 1975                 160

Division 2—Suppression and non-publication orders                               161

195........ Safeguarding public interest in open justice.................................... 161

196........ Power to make orders..................................................................... 161

197........ Grounds for making an order.......................................................... 161

198........ Procedure for making an order........................................................ 162

199........ Interim orders.................................................................................. 163

200........ Duration of orders........................................................................... 163

201........ Exception for court officials............................................................ 164

202........ Contravention of order.................................................................... 164

Part 8—Vexatious proceedings                                                                                   165

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                         165

203........ Meaning of a person acting in concert ............................................ 165

204........ Powers of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) not affected           165

Division 2—Vexatious proceedings orders                                                    166

205........ Making vexatious proceedings orders............................................. 166

206........ Notification of vexatious proceedings orders.................................. 167

Division 3—Particular consequences of vexatious proceedings orders 169

207........ Proceedings in contravention of vexatious proceedings order......... 169

208........ Application for leave to institute proceedings.................................. 170

209........ Dismissing application for leave..................................................... 170

210........ Granting application for leave......................................................... 171

Part 9—Management and administration                                                           172

Division 1—Management responsibilities of the Chief Judge and the Chief Executive Officer                172

211........ Management of administrative affairs of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)                172

212........ Arrangements with other courts...................................................... 173

213........ Arrangements with agencies or organisations................................. 174

214........ Arrangements for sharing courtrooms and other facilities............... 175

215........ Advisory committees...................................................................... 175

Division 2—Chief Executive Officer                                                                 177

216........ Chief Executive Officer................................................................... 177

217........ Powers of Chief Executive Officer................................................. 177

Division 3—Registries and registrars                                                               178

218........ Registries........................................................................................ 178

219........ Registrars........................................................................................ 178

220........ Powers exercisable by Chief Executive Officer and Registrars....... 178

221........ Delegation....................................................................................... 181

222........ Independence of delegates............................................................... 183

223........ Review of power exercised by delegate.......................................... 183

224........ Oath or affirmation of office........................................................... 184

Division 4—Other officers and staff                                                                  185

Subdivision A—Officers and staff                                                                      185

225........ Officers of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)             185

226........ Sheriff............................................................................................. 185

227........ Deputy Sheriffs............................................................................... 186

228........ Marshal........................................................................................... 186

229........ Deputy Marshals............................................................................. 187

230........ Family consultants.......................................................................... 187

231........ Staff of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).. 187

Subdivision B—Provisions relating to officers and staff                             187

232........ Arrangements relating to Commonwealth staff............................... 187

233........ Delegation by Registry Managers................................................... 188

234........ Authorised persons to assist the Sheriff or Deputy Sheriffs........... 188

235........ Authorised persons to assist the Marshal or Deputy Marshals....... 188

236........ Actions by or against Sheriff or Marshal........................................ 188

237........ Making arrests under this Chapter or warrants............................... 189

238........ Receivers......................................................................................... 190

Division 5—Miscellaneous administrative matters                                    192

239........ Procedural information to be given to unrepresented parties........... 192

240........ Annual report.................................................................................. 192

241........ Delegation of the administrative powers of the Chief Judge........... 192

242........ Proceedings arising out of administrative affairs of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)........................................................................................................ 193

243........ Protection of persons involved in handling etc. complaints............. 193

Chapter 5—Miscellaneous                                                                                 194

Part 1—Administration of family services                                                           194

244........ Chief Executive Officer has functions of family consultants........... 194

245........ Chief Executive Officer may delegate powers and functions that relate to family consultants  194

246........ Chief Executive Officer may give directions that relate to family services functions                194

247........ Chief Executive Officer may authorise officers or staff members to act as family counsellor or family dispute resolution practitioner...................................................................................... 195

Part 2—Miscellaneous                                                                                                      196

248........ References in other laws to a Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia       196

249........ Regulations..................................................................................... 196

 

This Bill originated in the House of Representatives; and, having this day passed, is now ready for presentation to the Senate for its concurrence.

D. R. ELDER

Clerk of the House of Representatives

House of Representatives

27 November 2018

A Bill for an Act relating to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and for other purposes

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

Chapter 1 — Introduction

Chapter 2 — Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

   

   

8   Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

             (1)  The federal court known immediately before the commencement day as the Family Court of Australia is continued in existence as the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1).

             (2)  The federal court known immediately before the commencement day as the Federal Circuit Court of Australia is continued in existence as the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).

Note:          The Parliament may create federal courts under Chapter III of the Constitution.

9   Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)

             (1)  The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) is:

                     (a)  a superior court of record; and

                     (b)  a court of law and equity.

             (2)  The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) consists of the following:

                     (a)  a Chief Justice;

                     (b)  a Deputy Chief Justice;

                     (c)  such Senior Judges and other Judges as from time to time hold office in accordance with this Act.

10   Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)

             (1)  The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) is:

                     (a)  a court of record; and

                     (b)  a court of law and equity.

             (2)  The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) consists of the following:

                     (a)  a Chief Judge;

                     (b)  a Deputy Chief Judge;

                     (c)  such other Judges as from time to time hold office in accordance with this Act.

Chapter 3 — Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)

Chapter 4 — Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)

Chapter 5 — Miscellaneous