FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA ACT 1976

Table of Provisions

• Long Title

PART I--PRELIMINARY

• 1 Short title  
• 2 Commencement  
• 3 Extension to Territories  
• 4 Interpretation  
• 4A Application of the Criminal Code  

PART II--FEDERAL--COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Division 1--Constitution of the Court

• 5 Creation of Court  
• 6 Appointment, removal and resignation of Judges  
• 6A Assignment of Judges to Divisions  
• 7 Acting Chief Justice  
• 8 Seniority  
• 9 Salary and allowances of Judges  
• 10 Appropriation  
• 11 Oath or affirmation of office  
• 12 Place of sitting  
• 13 General and Fair Work Divisions of the Court  
• 13A Authorised Judges may manage classes of proceedings  
• 14 Manner in which Court may be constituted  
• 15 Arrangement of business of Court  
• 16 Court divided in opinion  
• 17 Exercise of jurisdiction in open court and in Chambers  
• 18 Powers of Court to extend to whole of Australia  

PART IIA--MANAGEMENT--OF THE COURT

Division 1--Management responsibilities of Chief Justice and Chief Executive Officer

• 18A Management of administrative affairs of Court  
• 18B Chief Executive Officer  
• 18BAA Arrangements with other courts  
• 18BA Arrangements with agencies or organisations  

Division 2--Appointment, powers etc. of Chief Executive Officer

• 18C Establishment and appointment of Chief Executive Officer  
• 18D Powers of Chief Executive Officer  
• 18E Remuneration of Chief Executive Officer  
• 18F Terms and conditions of appointment of Chief Executive Officer  
• 18G Leave of absence  
• 18H Resignation  
• 18J Outside employment of Chief Executive Officer  
• 18K Termination of appointment  
• 18L Disclosure of interests by Chief Executive Officer  
• 18M Acting Chief Executive Officer  

Division 3--Other officers and staff of Registries

• 18N Personnel other than the Chief Executive Officer  
• 18P Sheriff  
• 18PA Marshal  
• 18PB Deputy Marshals  
• 18PC Authorised persons to assist the Marshal or Deputy Marshals  

Division 4--Miscellaneous administrative matters

• 18S Annual report  
• 18W Delegation of administrative powers of Chief Justice  
• 18X Proceedings arising out of the administrative affairs of Court  
• 18XA Protection of persons involved in handling etc. complaints  
• 18Y Oath or affirmation of office  

PART IIB--CORPORATE--SERVICES AND OTHER MATTERS

Division 1--Corporate services

• 18Z Corporate services  
• 18ZA Proceedings in relation to corporate services  

Division 2--Application of the finance law

• 18ZB Application of the finance law  
• 18ZC Delegation of powers etc. under the finance law  
• 18ZD Managing appropriations  

Division 3--Application of the Public Service Act 1999 etc.

• 18ZE Statutory Agency etc. for purposes of the Public Service Act 1999  
• 18ZF Making arrangements relating to APS employees  
• 18ZG Delegation of powers etc. under the Public Service Act 1999  

Division 4--Other powers of the Chief Executive Officer

• 18ZH Appointment of other court officers  
• 18ZI Engagement of consultants, family counsellors and family dispute resolution practitioners  
• 18ZJ Subdelegation of powers under this Division  

Division 5--Other matters

• 18ZK Officers of the Court and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia  

PART III--JURISDICTION--OF THE COURT

Division 1--Original jurisdiction (general)

• 19 Original jurisdiction  
• 20 Exercise of original jurisdiction  
• 20A Power of the Court to deal with civil matters without an oral hearing  
• 21 Declarations of right  
• 22 Determination of matter completely and finally  
• 23 Making of orders and issue of writs  

Division 1A--Original jurisdiction (indictable offences)

• 23AA Background and simplified outline  
• 23AB Application of Division  
Subdivision B--Matters relating to indictments
• 23BA Indictment may include alternate counts  
• 23BB Single count can cover multiple accused  
• 23BC Separating one or more accused from a single count  
• 23BD Single indictment can include multiple counts  
• 23BE Separating one or more counts from a single indictment  
• 23BF Time within which indictments must be filed following committal order  
• 23BG Consequences of not filing indictment within time  
• 23BH Amending indictments  
Subdivision C--Pre-trial matters (hearings, disclosure and quashing indictments)
• 23CA Pre - trial hearings  
• 23CB Court may make orders during pre - trial hearings  
• 23CC Matters that must be raised during pre - trial hearings  
• 23CD Pre - trial and ongoing disclosure  
• 23CE Disclosure of case for the prosecution  
• 23CF Accused's response  
• 23CG Prosecutor's response to accused's response  
• 23CH Ongoing disclosure obligations  
• 23CI Copies of things need not be provided if impracticable etc.  
• 23CJ Personal details need not be provided  
• 23CK Things need not be disclosed to a party more than once  
• 23CL Effect on legal professional privilege and other privileges and duties etc.  
• 23CM Consequences of disclosure requirements  
• 23CN Restricting further disclosure of disclosed material  
• 23CO Restricting admissibility of disclosed material as evidence in other proceedings  
• 23CP Objecting to indictments  
• 23CQ Examining witnesses after committal in absence of the jury  
Subdivision D--Pre-trial matters (empanelling the jury)
• 23DA Simplified outline  
• 23DB Application to criminal proceedings  
• 23DC Number of jurors on jury  
• 23DD Continuation of the trial with a reduced jury  
• 23DE Ballot to reduce additional jurors  
• 23DF Jury districts (establishment and boundaries)  
• 23DG Jury roll for a jury district  
• 23DH Qualification and liability for serving on jury  
• 23DI Disqualification from serving on jury (convictions, charges, detention orders etc.)  
• 23DJ Disqualification from serving on jury (professional ineligibility)  
• 23DK When Sheriff is to convene a jury panel  
• 23DL Sheriff to select the jury district for the proceedings  
• 23DM Sheriff to prepare the jury list for the proceedings  
• 23DN Investigation and questionnaires  
• 23DO Removing names from jury list  
• 23DP Jury summonses  
• 23DQ Sheriff's power to excuse--on application  
• 23DR Sheriff's power to excuse--on own initiative  
• 23DS Preparing the jury panel  
• 23DT Preparing to empanel the jury  
• 23DU Empanelling the jury  
• 23DV Court's power to excuse a person from serving on jury  
• 23DW Supplementary jurors  
• 23DX Challenges to potential jurors--general  
• 23DY Challenges for cause  
• 23DZ Peremptory challenges  
• 23DZA Prosecutor may request that potential jurors be stood aside  
Subdivision E--Other jury matters
• 23EA Appointing the jury foreperson  
• 23EB Confidentiality directions  
• 23EC Things to help jury understand issues  
• 23ED Recalling the jury for further directions or evidence  
• 23EE When jury can separate  
• 23EF Directions and potential jurors and jurors  
• 23EG Sheriff's powers  
• 23EH Jurors' remuneration  
• 23EI Discharge of potential jurors  
• 23EJ Discharge of jurors--by law  
• 23EK Discharge of jurors--by the Court  
• 23EL Discharge of jury  
• 23EM Consequences of discharging the jury  
Subdivision F--Matters relating to pleas, the trial and verdicts
• 23FA Accused to be arraigned before the jury  
• 23FB Practice and procedure applicable to the trial  
• 23FC Admissibility of evidence given in committal proceedings  
• 23FD Entering pleas  
• 23FE Pleading to some counts in satisfaction of other counts  
• 23FF Pleading to different offences capable of being supported by indictment  
• 23FG Changing pleas  
• 23FH Court's verdict if no case to answer  
• 23FI Jury's verdict  
• 23FJ Consequences of guilty pleas and guilty verdicts  
• 23FK Consequences of not guilty verdicts  
Subdivision G--Procedure on committal for sentencing
• 23GA When Subdivision applies  
• 23GB Accused taken to have been committed for trial etc.  
Subdivision H--Custodial and other matters
• 23HA Remanding in custody when proceedings adjourned  
• 23HB Oaths and affirmations  
• 23HC Protecting witnesses etc.  
• 23HD Accused cannot make unsworn statements  
• 23HE Costs  

Division 2--Appellate and related jurisdiction (civil proceedings)

• 23P Appellate jurisdiction in civil proceedings  
• 24 Appellate jurisdiction  
• 25 Exercise of appellate jurisdiction  
• 26 Cases stated and questions reserved  
• 27 Evidence on appeal  
• 28 Form of judgment on appeal  
• 29 Stay of proceedings and suspension of orders  
• 30 New trials  

Division 2A--Appellate and related jurisdiction (criminal proceedings)

• 30AA Appellate jurisdiction--allowable appeals  
• 30AB Leave needed unless question of law or about bail  
• 30AC Who may appeal  
• 30AD Appellate jurisdiction--further appeal if Attorney - General consents  
• 30AE Exercise of appellate jurisdiction  
• 30AF Time for appealing  
• 30AG Right to attend  
• 30AH Practice and procedure applicable to the appeal  
• 30AI Evidence on appeal  
• 30AJ When to allow appeals  
• 30AK Stay or suspension of orders pending appeal  
• 30AL Prison sentence not to include time on bail  
Subdivision B--Form of judgment on appeal
• 30BA Court may give such judgment as is appropriate  
• 30BB Allowing appeals against convictions on indictment  
• 30BC Allowing appeals against sentence  
• 30BD Allowing appeals for certain acquittals  
• 30BE Allowing appeals involving unfitness, mental illness etc.  
• 30BF Allowing appeals from summary proceedings  
• 30BG Allowing appeals against bail, bail forfeiture or interim judgments and decisions (including about custody)  
• 30BH Matters relevant to form of judgment on appeal  
Subdivision C--References
• 30CA Cases stated and questions reserved  
• 30CB Questions referred after trial  
Subdivision D--Other
• 30DA Costs  

Division 3--General

• 31 Contempt of Court  
• 31A Summary judgment  
• 31B Prerogative of mercy unaffected  
• 32 Jurisdiction in associated matters  
• 32AA Proceedings not to be instituted in the Court if an associated matter is before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)  
• 32AB Discretionary transfer of civil proceedings to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia  
• 32AC Discretionary transfer of civil proceedings from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)  
• 32AD Confirmation of civil proceedings transferred from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)  
• 32A State Supreme Courts invested with jurisdiction in Chambers  

PART IV--APPEALS--TO HIGH COURT

• 33 Appeals to High Court  

PART IVA--REPRESENTATIVE--PROCEEDINGS

Division 1--Preliminary

• 33A Interpretation  
• 33B Application  

Division 2--Commencement of representative proceeding

• 33C Commencement of proceeding  
• 33D Standing  
• 33E Is consent required to be a group member?  
• 33F Persons under disability  
• 33G Representative proceeding not to be commenced in certain circumstances  
• 33H Originating process  
• 33J Right of group member to opt out  
• 33K Causes of action accruing after commencement of representative proceeding  
• 33L Situation where fewer than 7 group members  
• 33M Cost of distributing money etc. excessive  
• 33N Order that proceeding not continue as representative proceeding where costs excessive etc.  
• 33P Consequences of order that proceeding not continue under this Part  
• 33Q Determination of issues where not all issues are common  
• 33R Individual issues  
• 33S Directions relating to commencement of further proceedings  
• 33T Adequacy of representation  
• 33U Stay of execution in certain circumstances  
• 33V Settlement and discontinuance--representative proceeding  
• 33W Settlement of individual claim of representative party  

Division 3--Notices

• 33X Notice to be given of certain matters  
• 33Y Notices--ancillary provisions  

Division 4--Judgment etc.

• 33Z Judgment--powers of the Court  
• 33ZA Constitution etc. of fund  
• 33ZB Effect of judgment  

Division 5--Appeals

• 33ZC Appeals to the Court  
• 33ZD Appeals to the High Court--extended operation of sections 33ZC and 33ZF  

Division 6--Miscellaneous

• 33ZE Suspension of limitation periods  
• 33ZF General power of Court to make orders  
• 33ZG Saving of rights, powers etc.  
• 33ZH Special provision relating to claims under Part VI of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 etc.  
• 33ZJ Reimbursement of representative party's costs  

PART V--REGISTRIES--, OFFICERS AND SEAL

• 34 Registries  
• 35 Officers of Court  
• 35A Powers of Registrars  
• 36 Seal of Court  
• 37 Writs etc.  

PART VAA--SUPPRESSION--AND NON-PUBLICATION ORDERS

Division 1--Preliminary

• 37AA Definitions  
• 37AB Powers of the Court not affected  
• 37AC Other laws not affected  
• 37AD No limit on section 23HC  

Division 2--Suppression and non-publication orders

• 37AE Safeguarding public interest in open justice  
• 37AF Power to make orders  
• 37AG Grounds for making an order  
• 37AH Procedure for making an order  
• 37AI Interim orders  
• 37AJ Duration of orders  
• 37AK Exception for court officials  
• 37AL Contravention of order  

PART VAAA--VEXATIOUS--PROCEEDINGS

Division 1--Preliminary

• 37AM Definitions  
• 37AN Powers of the Court not affected  

Division 2--Vexatious proceedings orders

• 37AO Making vexatious proceedings orders  
• 37AP Notification of vexatious proceedings orders  

Division 3--Particular consequences of vexatious proceedings orders

• 37AQ Proceedings in contravention of vexatious proceedings order  
• 37AR Application for leave to institute proceedings  
• 37AS Dismissing application for leave  
• 37AT Granting application for leave  

PART VA--ASSESSORS

• 37A Appointment of assessors  
• 37B Qualifications for appointment  
• 37C Remuneration and allowances  
• 37D Terms and conditions of appointment  
• 37E Oath or affirmation of office  
• 37F Leave of absence  
• 37G Resignation  
• 37H Termination of appointment--bankruptcy etc.  
• 37I Termination of appointment--misbehaviour or incapacity  
• 37J Suspension of assessors--misbehaviour or incapacity  
• 37K Outside employment  
• 37L Disclosure of interests  

PART VB--CASE--MANAGEMENT IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS

• 37M The overarching purpose of civil practice and procedure provisions  
• 37N Parties to act consistently with the overarching purpose  
• 37P Power of the Court to give directions about practice and procedure in a civil proceeding  

PART VI--GENERAL

• 38 Practice and procedure  
• 39 Civil trials to be without jury  
• 40 Power of Court in civil proceedings to direct trial of issues with a jury  
• 41 Juries in civil proceedings  
• 43 Costs  
• 44 Oaths and affirmations  
• 45 Making of affidavits  
• 46 Orders and commissions for examination of witnesses  
• 47 Oral, video link, telephone and affidavit evidence  
• 47A Testimony by video link, audio link or other appropriate means  
• 47B Appearances or submissions by video link, audio link or other appropriate means  
• 47C Conditions for use of video links, audio links or other appropriate means  
• 47D Putting documents to a person by video link, audio link or other appropriate means  
• 47E Administration of oaths and affirmations  
• 47F Expenses  
• 47G New Zealand proceedings  
• 48 Change of venue  
• 49 Reserved judgments  
• 51 Formal defects not to invalidate  
• 51A Interest up to judgment  
• 52 Interest on judgment  
• 53 Enforcement of judgment  
• 53A Arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution processes  
• 53AA Power of arbitrator to refer question of law to the Court  
• 53AB Application to the Court for review of award on a question of law or for costs to be taxed  
• 53B Admissions made to mediators  
• 53C Protection of mediators and arbitrators  
• 54 Arbitration awards  
• 54A Referral of questions to a referee  
• 54B Protection of referees  
• 55 Actions by or against Sheriff  
• 55AA Actions by or against Marshal  
• 55A Making arrests under this Act or warrants  
• 56 Security  
• 57 Receivers  
• 58 Offences by witness  

PART VIA--OFFENCES--RELATING TO JURIES

Division 1--Offences

• 58AA Failing to attend for jury service  
• 58AB Failing to comply with directions--persons attending for jury service  
• 58AC Failing to comply with directions--jurors  
• 58AD Impersonating a juror or potential juror  
• 58AE Failing to complete and return a questionnaire  
• 58AF False or misleading information to avoid jury service  
• 58AG Bribery of jurors or potential jurors  
• 58AH Causing or threatening harm to jurors, potential jurors or former jurors  
• 58AI Obstructing jurors or potential jurors  
• 58AJ Publishing or broadcasting information identifying jurors, potential jurors or former jurors  
• 58AK Soliciting information from jurors  
• 58AL Disclosing information about a jury  
• 58AM Making improper inquiries as a juror or potential juror  

Division 2--Infringement notices

• 58BA When an infringement notice can be given  
• 58BB Matters to be included in an infringement notice  
• 58BC Amount of penalty  
• 58BD Withdrawal of an infringement notice  
• 58BE What happens if the penalty is paid  
• 58BF Effect of this Division on criminal proceedings  
• 58BG Regulations  

PART VIB--BAIL

Division 1--Introduction

• 58CA Simplified outline  

Division 2--Granting bail

• 58DA Applying for bail  
• 58DB Granting bail  
• 58DC Bail may be granted subject to conditions  
• 58DD Bail to be stayed pending appeal  
• 58DE Bail undertakings etc.  
• 58DF Effect of granting bail  
• 58DG Seeking discharge from undertaking to give security  
• 58DH Dealings with property given as security for bail  

Division 3--Reconsidering bail orders

• 58EA Reconsidering bail--discharge of security or accused fails to comply with the accused's bail undertaking  
• 58EB Reconsidering bail--change in circumstances  
• 58EC Consequences if bail is varied or revoked  

Division 4--Further consequences if accused fails to appear in accordance with bail undertaking

• 58FA Offence for failing to appear before the Court  
• 58FB Notice of proposed forfeiture  
• 58FC Ordering forfeiture  
• 58FD When forfeiture orders take effect  
• 58FE Effect of forfeiture orders  

Division 5--When bail ends

• 58GA Continuing bail orders  
• 58GB Bail discharged if the Court discharges the accused  
• 58GC Continuing security undertakings when bail ends  
• 58GD Returning security when bail ends  

Division 6--Other matters

• 58HA Admissibility of certain matters  
• 58HB Indemnifying a person providing security  

PART VII--RULES--OF COURT AND REGULATIONS

• 59 Rules of Court  
• 59A Regulations modifying or adapting the Legislation Act 2003  
• 60 Regulations  
• SCHEDULE