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- 8 Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- 9 Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1)
- 10 Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)
- Part 1—Introduction
- Part 2—Definitions
- Part 1—Constitution
- Part 2—Jurisdiction
- Part 3—Transfer of proceedings
- Part 4—Appeals
- Part 5—Practice and procedure
- Part 6—Management and administration
- Part 1—Constitution
- Part 2—Jurisdiction
- Part 3—Transfer of proceedings
- Part 4—Appeals
- Part 5—Dispute resolution for proceedings other than proceedings under the Family Law Act 1975
- Part 6—Practice and procedure
- Part 7—Suppression and non-publication orders
- Part 8—Vexatious proceedings
- Part 9—Management and administration
- Part 1—Administration of family services
- Part 2—Miscellaneous
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 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)