• Specific Year
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FEDERAL CIRCUIT COURT RULES 2001

- made under the Federal Circuit Court of Australia Act 1999

Table of Provisions

CHAPTER 1--All proceedings

PART 1--INTRODUCTION

  • 1.01 Name of Rules
  • 1.02A Authority
  • 1.03 Objects
  • 1.04 Dictionary
  • 1.05 Application
  • 1.06 Court may dispense with rules
  • 1.07. Applications for orders about procedures

PART 2--DOCUMENTS

Division 2.1--General

  • 2.01 Requirements for documents
  • 2.02 Document must have distinctive number
  • 2.03 Document to be signed
  • 2.04 Forms

Division 2.2--Filing documents

  • 2.05 How documents may be filed
  • 2.06 Registrar may refuse to accept document
  • 2.07 Filing by fax
  • 2.07A Filing by electronic communication
  • 2.07B Other requirements for filing by electronic communication

Division 2.3--Custody and inspection of documents

  • 2.08 Searching records in family law proceedings or child support proceedings
  • 2.08A Custody of documents in general federal law proceedings
  • 2.08B Inspection of documents in general federal law proceedings

Division 2.4--Seal and stamp of Court

  • 2.09 Use of seal of Court
  • 2.10 Stamp of Court
  • 2.11 Methods of attaching the seal or stamp

PART 3--SITTINGS, REGISTRY HOURS AND TIME

Division 3.1--Sittings, holidays and registry hours

Division 3.2--Time

  • 3.03 Meaning of month
  • 3.04 Calculating time
  • 3.05 Extension or shortening of time fixed

PART 4--STARTING PROCEEDINGS

Division 4.1--General rules about starting proceedings

  • 4.01 Application
  • 4.02 Content of application
  • 4.03 Response to application
  • 4.05 Affidavit to be filed with application or response
  • 4.07 Reply in certain circumstances
  • 4.08 Application in a case

Division 4.2--Rules for proceedings if Civil Dispute Resolution Act applies

  • 4.09 Applicant's genuine steps statement
  • 4.10 Respondent's genuine steps statement

PART 5--URGENT APPLICATIONS

  • 5.01 Urgent application
  • 5.02 Form of application
  • 5.03 Evidence

PART 6--SERVICE

Division 6.1--General

  • 6.01 Address for service
  • 6.02 Change of address for service
  • 6.03 Service of documents
  • 6.04 Court's discretion in relation to service
  • 6.05 Affidavit of service

Division 6.2--Service by hand in particular cases

  • 6.06 When is service by hand required
  • 6.07 Service by hand
  • 6.08 Service by hand on a corporation, unincorporated association or organisation
  • 6.09 Service of application on unregistered business
  • 6.10 Service of application on partnership

Division 6.3--Ordinary service

  • 6.11 Service other than by hand
  • 6.12 When service is effected
  • 6.13 Special requirements for service by fax

Division 6.4--Substituted service and dispensing with service

  • 6.14 Substituted service
  • 6.15 Matters to be taken into account
  • 6.16 Failure to comply with condition

Division 6.5--Time for service

  • 6.17 General time limit
  • 6.18 Time for service of subpoena
  • 6.19 Time for service of applications

PART 7--AMENDMENT

Division 7.1--General

  • 7.01 Power to amend
  • 7.02 Who may be required to make amendment

Division 7.2--General federal law proceedings

  • 7.03 Amendment after limitation period

PART 8--TRANSFER OF PROCEEDINGS

  • 8.01 Change of venue
  • 8.02 Transfer to Federal Court or Family Court
  • 8.03 Proceeding transferred to Federal Court or Family Court
  • 8.04 Proceeding transferred from Federal Court or Family Court
  • 8.05 Proceeding transferred from Federal Court or Family Court

PART 9--LAWYERS

  • 9.01 Change between acting in person and by lawyer
  • 9.02 Change of lawyer
  • 9.03 Withdrawal as lawyer
  • 9.04 Corporation must be represented

PART 10--HOW TO CONDUCT PROCEEDINGS

Division 10.1--First court date

  • 10.01 Directions and orders
  • 10.02 Adjournment of first court date
  • 10.03 Fixing date for final hearing

Division 10.2--Dispute Resolution

  • 10.04 Agreement reached by dispute resolution
  • 10.05 Conciliation conference

Division 10.3--Notice of constitutional matter

  • 10.06 Party to file notice of constitutional matter

PART 11--PARTIES AND LITIGATION GUARDIANS

Division 11.1--Parties

  • 11.01 Necessary parties
  • 11.02 Party may include another person as a party
  • 11.03 Person may apply to be included
  • 11.04 Party may apply to be removed
  • 11.05 Court may order notice to be given
  • 11.06 Intervention by Attorney-General
  • 11.07 Child to whom state welfare law applies

Division 11.2--Litigation guardian

  • 11.08 Person who needs a litigation guardian
  • 11.09 Starting, continuing, defending or inclusion in proceeding
  • 11.10 Who may be a litigation guardian
  • 11.11 Appointment of litigation guardian
  • 11.12 Manager of the affairs of a party
  • 11.13 Notice of becoming litigation guardian
  • 11.14 Costs and expenses of litigation guardian
  • 11.15 Service

PART 12--COURT REFERRAL FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE

  • 12.01 Definitions for Part 12
  • 12.02 Referral for legal assistance
  • 12.03 A party has no right to apply for a referral
  • 12.04 Acceptance of referral certificate and provision of legal assistance
  • 12.05 Ceasing to provide legal assistance

PART 13--ENDING A PROCEEDING EARLY

Division 13.1--Discontinuance

Division 13.1A--Order or judgment on default

Division 13.2--Consent orders

  • 13.04 Application for order by consent
  • 13.04A Consent parenting orders and allegations of abuse, family violence or other risk factors
  • 13.05 Additional information

Division 13.3--Summary disposal and stay

  • 13.07 Disposal by summary judgment
  • 13.08 Residue of proceeding
  • 13.09 Application
  • 13.10 Disposal by summary dismissal
  • 13.11 Certificate of vexatious proceedings order
  • 13.11A Application for leave to institute proceedings
  • 13.12 Dormant proceedings

PART 14--DISCLOSURE

Division 14.1--Answers to specific questions

  • 14.01 Declaration to allow specific questions

Division 14.2--Obligation to disclose

  • 14.02 Declaration to allow discovery
  • 14.03 Affidavit of documents
  • 14.04 Production of documents to Court
  • 14.05 Claim for privilege
  • 14.06 Order for particular disclosure
  • 14.07 Inspection of documents
  • 14.08 Copies of documents inspected
  • 14.09 Documents not disclosed or produced
  • 14.10 Documents referred to in document or affidavit
  • 14.11 Use of documents

PART 15--EVIDENCE

Division 15.1--General

  • 15.01 Court may give directions
  • 15.02 Evidence if there is an independent children's lawyer
  • 15.03 Decisions without oral hearing
  • 15.04 Court may call evidence
  • 15.06 Transcript receivable in evidence

Division 15.2--Expert evidence

  • 15.06A Definition
  • 15.07 Duty to Court and form of expert evidence
  • 15.08 Expert evidence for 2 or more parties
  • 15.09 Court expert
  • 15.10 Report of court expert
  • 15.11 Remuneration and expenses of court expert
  • 15.12 Further expert evidence

Division 15.4--Affidavits

  • 15.25 Form of affidavit
  • 15.26 Making an affidavit
  • 15.27 Affidavit of illiterate or vision impaired person etc
  • 15.28 Documents annexed or exhibited
  • 15.29 Objectionable material may be struck out
  • 15.29A Use of affidavit without cross-examination of maker

Division 15.5--Admissions

  • 15.30 Admission
  • 15.31 Notice to admit facts or documents

PART 15A--SUBPOENAS AND NOTICES TO PRODUCE

Division 15A.1--General

  • 15A.01 Definitions for Part 15A
  • 15A.02 Issue of subpoena
  • 15A.03 Documents and things in possession of another court
  • 15A.04 Time limits
  • 15A.05 Limit on number of subpoenas
  • 15A.06 Service
  • 15A.07 Conduct money
  • 15A.08 Undertaking not to require compliance with subpoena
  • 15A.09 Setting aside subpoena
  • 15A.10 Order for cost of complying with subpoena
  • 15A.11 Cost of complying with subpoena if not a party

Division 15A.2--Production of documents and access by parties

  • 15A.12 Application of Division 15A.2
  • 15A.13 Right to inspection of document
  • 15A.14 Objection to production or inspection or copying of document
  • 15A.15 Subpoena for production of documents or things
  • 15A.16 Failure to comply with subpoena

Division 15A.3--Notices to produce

PART 16--JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS

  • 16.01 Court may make any judgment or order
  • 16.02 Date of effect
  • 16.03 Time for compliance
  • 16.04 Fines
  • 16.05 Setting aside or varying judgments or orders
  • 16.06 Undertakings
  • 16.07 When must an order be entered
  • 16.08 Entry of orders

PART 17--SEPARATE DECISION ON QUESTION

PART 18--REFERRAL OF MATTER TO OFFICER OF COURT

  • 18.01 Court may refer matter

PART 19--CONTEMPT

  • 19.01 Contempt in the face or hearing of Court
  • 19.02 Contempt other than in the face or hearing of Court

PART 20--REGISTRARS' POWERS

Division 20.1--Delegation of powers to Registrars

  • 20.00A Delegation of powers to Registrars

Division 20.2--Review of exercise of Registrars' powers

  • 20.01 Time for application for review
  • 20.02 Application for review
  • 20.03 Procedure for review

PART 21--COSTS

Division 21.1--Security for costs

  • 21.01 Security for costs

Division 21.2--Orders for costs

  • 21.02 Order for costs
  • 21.03 Determination of maximum costs
  • 21.04 Costs reserved
  • 21.05 Costs if proceedings transferred
  • 21.07 Order for costs against lawyer
  • 21.08 Interest on outstanding costs

Division 21.3--Costs and disbursements

  • 21.09 Application
  • 21.10 Costs and disbursements
  • 21.11 Taxation of costs
  • 21.12 Expenses for attendance by witness
  • 21.13 Expenses for preparation of report by expert
  • 21.14 Solicitor as advocate
  • 21.15 Advocacy certificate
  • 21.16 Counsel as advocate

CHAPTER 2--Family law and child support proceedings

PART 22--GENERAL

PART 22A--NOTICE OF CHILD ABUSE, FAMILY VIOLENCE OR RISK ETC.

Division 1--Notice of Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk

  • 22A.01 Definitions
  • 22A.02 Notice of Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk must be filed with application for parenting order
  • 22A.03 Notice of Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk filed by interested person
  • 22A.04 Amendment of Notice of Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk
  • 22A.05 Proceedings transferred from another court
  • 22A.06 Content of Notice of Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk
  • 22A.07 Notice of Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk for the purposes of subsection 67Z(2) or 67ZBA(2) of the Family Law Act

Division 2--Family violence orders

  • 22A.08 Family violence orders

PART 23--FAMILY COUNSELLING AND FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Division 23.1--Family counselling, family dispute resolution and family reports

  • 23.01A Family reports
  • 23.01 Report after family counselling or family dispute resolution

Division 23.2--Family dispute resolution

  • 23.02 Referral for family dispute resolution

PART 24--FINANCIAL MATTERS

  • 24.01 Application of Part
  • 24.01A Interpretation
  • 24.02 Financial statement
  • 24.03 Full and frank disclosure
  • 24.04 Production of documents (proceeding other than for maintenance only)
  • 24.05 Production of documents (proceedings for maintenance only)
  • 24.06 Amendment of financial statement
  • 24.07 Service of application or order for superannuation interest

PART 25--DIVORCE

Division 25.1--Application

  • 25.01 Application for divorce order
  • 25.02 Service of application
  • 25.03 Additional requirements for service by post
  • 25.04 Acknowledgment of service
  • 25.05 Affidavit of service
  • 25.06 Evidence of service
  • 25.07 Evidence of signature and identity of person served

Division 25.2--Response

Division 25.3--Attendance at hearing

  • 25.11 Attendance at hearing by electronic communication
  • 25.12 Failure to attend hearing

Division 25.4--Hearing in absence of parties

  • 25.13 Seeking a hearing in absence of parties
  • 25.14 Hearing in absence of parties--joint application
  • 25.15 Request not to hear case in parties' absence

Division 25.5--Events affecting divorce order

  • 25.16 Application for rescission of divorce order
  • 25.17 Discontinuance of application
  • 25.18 Death of party

PART 25A--CHILD SUPPORT AND CHILD MAINTENANCE

  • 25A.01 Application of Part 25A
  • 25A.02 Commencing proceedings
  • 25A.03 Documents to be filed with applications
  • 25A.04 Child support agreements
  • 25A.05 Appeals from the Tribunal or Child Support Registrar
  • 25A.06 Time limits
  • 25A.07 Service of application or notice of appeal
  • 25A.08 Evidence to be provided

PART 25B--ENFORCEMENT

Division 25B.1--Applications for contravention of orders

  • 25B.01 Application of Division 25B.1
  • 25B.02 How to apply for an order
  • 25B.03 Failure of respondent to attend
  • 25B.04 Procedure at hearing

Division 25B.2--Enforcement of financial orders and obligations

Subdivision 25B.2.1--General
  • 25B.05 Application
  • 25B.06 Interpretation
  • 25B.07 Enforceable obligations
  • 25B.08 When an agreement may be enforced
  • 25B.09 When a child support liability may be enforced
  • 25B.10 Who may enforce an obligation
  • 25B.11 Enforcing an obligation to pay money
  • 25B.12 Affidavit to be filed for enforcement order
  • 25B.13 General enforcement powers of Court
  • 25B.14 Enforcement order
  • 25B.15 Discharging, suspending or varying enforcement order
  • Subdivision 25B.2.2--Information for aiding enforcement
  • 25B.16 Processes for obtaining financial information
  • 25B.17 Enforcement hearing
  • 25B.18 Obligations of payer
  • 25B.19 Subpoena of witness
  • 25B.20 Failure concerning financial statement or enforcement hearing
  • Subdivision 25B.2.3--Enforcement warrants
  • 25B.21 Definitions
  • 25B.22 Request for Enforcement Warrant
  • 25B.23 Period during which Enforcement Warrant is in force
  • 25B.24 Enforcement officer's responsibilities
  • 25B.25 Directions for enforcement
  • 25B.26 Effect of Enforcement Warrant
  • 25B.27 Advertising before sale
  • 25B.28 Sale of property at reasonable price
  • 25B.29 Conditions of sale of property
  • 25B.30 Result of sale of property under Enforcement Warrant
  • 25B.31 Payee's responsibilities
  • 25B.32 Orders for real property
  • 25B.33 Notice of claim
  • 25B.34 Payee to admit or dispute claim
  • 25B.35 Admitting claim
  • 25B.36 Denial or no response to claim
  • 25B.37 Hearing of application
  • Subdivision 25B.2.4--Third Party Debt Notice
  • 25B.38 Application of Subdivision 25B.2.4
  • 25B.39 Money deposited in a financial institution
  • 25B.40 Request for Third Party Debt Notice
  • 25B.41 Service of Third Party Debt Notice
  • 25B.42 Effect of Third Party Debt Notice--general
  • 25B.43 Employer's obligations
  • 25B.44 Duration of Third Party Debt Notice
  • 25B.45 Response to Third Party Debt Notice
  • 25B.46 Discharge of Third Party Debt Notice
  • 25B.47 Claim by affected person
  • 25B.48 Cessation of employment
  • 25B.49 Compliance with Third Party Debt Notice
  • Subdivision 25B.2.5--Sequestration of property
  • 25B.50 Application for sequestration of property
  • 25B.51 Order for sequestration
  • 25B.52 Order relating to sequestration
  • 25B.53 Procedural orders for sequestration
  • Subdivision 25B.2.6--Receivership
  • 25B.54 Application for appointment of receiver
  • 25B.55 Appointment and powers of receiver
  • 25B.56 Security
  • 25B.57 Accounts
  • 25B.58 Objection to accounts
  • 25B.59 Removal of receiver
  • 25B.60 Compliance with orders and Rules
  • Subdivision 25B.2.7--Enforcement of obligations other than an obligation to pay money
  • 25B.61 Application for other enforcement orders
  • 25B.62 Warrant for possession of real property
  • 25B.63 Warrant for delivery
  • 25B.64 Warrant for seizure and detention of property
  • Subdivision 25B.2.8--Other provisions about enforcement
  • 25B.65 Service of order
  • 25B.66 Certificate for payments under maintenance order
  • 25B.67 Enforcement by or against a non-party
  • 25B.68 Powers of enforcement officer

Division 25B.3--Location and recovery orders

  • 25B.69 Application of Division 25B.3
  • 25B.70 Application for order under Division 25B.3
  • 25B.71 Service of recovery order
  • 25B.72 Application for directions for execution of recovery order

Division 25B.4--Warrants for arrest

  • 25B.73 Application for warrant
  • 25B.74 Execution of warrant
  • 25B.75 Duration of warrant
  • 25B.76 Procedure after arrest
  • 25B.77 Application for release or setting aside warrant

CHAPTER 3--Proceedings other than family law or child support

PART 26--GENERAL

PART 27--DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Division 27.1--General

  • 27.01 Proceeding referred to mediator or arbitrator
  • 27.02 Adjournment of proceeding
  • 27.03 Court may end mediation or arbitration

Division 27.2--Mediation

  • 27.04 Nomination of mediator
  • 27.05 Mediation conference
  • 27.06 Mediator may end mediation

Division 27.3--Arbitration

  • 27.07 Appointment of arbitrator

PART 28--CROSS-CLAIMS

  • 28.01 Cross-claim against applicant
  • 28.02 Cross-claim after application
  • 28.03 Cross-claim against additional party
  • 28.04 Cross-claim to be included in response
  • 28.05 Response to cross-claim
  • 28.06 Conduct of cross-claim
  • 28.07 Exclusion of cross-claim
  • 28.08 Cross-claim after judgment etc
  • 28.09 Judgment for balance
  • 28.10 Stay of claim
  • 28.11 Cross-claim for contribution or indemnity
  • 28.12 Offer of contribution

PART 29--ENFORCEMENT

  • 29.01 Definition for Part 29
  • 29.02 Application without notice for directions
  • 29.03 Condition precedent not fulfilled
  • 29.04 Application for stay of judgment or order
  • 29.05 Failure to comply with Court order
  • 29.06 Failure to attend Court in response to subpoena or order
  • 29.07 Endorsement on order
  • 29.08 Service of order
  • 29.09 Application where person fails to comply with order
  • 29.10 Substituted performance
  • 29.11 Execution generally
  • 29.12 Stay of execution

CHAPTER 5--Human rights proceedings

PART 41--PROCEEDINGS ALLEGING UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION

  • 41.01 Application of Chapter
  • 41.02 Interpretation
  • 41.02A Form of application
  • 41.03 Copy of application to be given to Commission
  • 41.04 Form of response to application
  • 41.05 Appearance by special-purpose Commissioner

CHAPTER 6--Judicial review proceedings and administrative appeals

PART 42--JUDICIAL REVIEW

  • 42.01 Application of Part
  • 42.02 Application for order of review
  • 42.03 Application for extension of time
  • 42.04 Documents to be filed and served
  • 42.05 Service
  • 42.06 Notice of objection to competency

PART 43--ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS TRIBUNAL

PART 44--PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE MIGRATION ACT 1958

Division 44.1--Preliminary

Division 44.2--Matters commenced in the Court

  • 44.04 Application of Division 44.2
  • 44.05 Application for order to show cause

Division 44.3--Matters remitted by the High Court

  • 44.07 Application of Division 44.3
  • 44.08 Filing of order of remittal
  • 44.09 Service of notice and order

Division 44.4--General

CHAPTER 7--Fair Work Division

PART 45--PROCEEDINGS IN THE FAIR WORK DIVISION

Division 45.1--General

Division 45.2--Unlawful termination of employment (Workplace Relations Act)

  • 45.04 Application in relation to alleged unlawful termination of employment (Workplace Relations Act)
  • 45.05 Application in relation to other alleged contraventions of the Workplace Relations Act

Division 45.3--Contraventions of the Fair Work Act

  • 45.06 Application in relation to dismissal from employment in contravention of a general protection (Fair Work Act, s 539(2), table, item 11)
  • 45.07 Application in relation to alleged unlawful termination of employment (Fair Work Act, s 539(2), table, item 35)
  • 45.08 Application in relation to other alleged contraventions of Fair Work Act general protections
  • 45.09 Application in relation to other alleged contraventions of the Fair Work Act

Division 45.3A--Contraventions of the Registered Organisations Act

  • 45.09A Application in relation to taking a reprisal (Registered Organisations Act, s 337BB)

Division 45.4--Small claims

  • 45.10 Definitions for Division 45.4
  • 45.11 Small claims procedure
  • 45.12 Starting proceedings
  • 45.13 Lawyers--Fair Work Act small claims proceeding
  • 45.13A Representation for corporations--Fair Work Act small claims proceeding

Division 45.4A--Dispute resolution

  • 45.13B Mediation--Fair Work Act and Registered Organisations Act proceedings

Division 45.5--Proceedings under the Building and Construction Industry Act

  • 45.14 Applications for orders etc. under the Building and Construction Industry Act

CHAPTER 8--Proceedings under National Consumer Credit Protection Act

PART 46--SMALL CLAIMS APPLICATION UNDER NATIONAL CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT

CHAPTER 9--Transitional provisions

PART 47--TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE FEDERAL CIRCUIT COURT AMENDMENT (NOTICE OF CHILD ABUSE, FAMILY VIOLENCE OR RISK) RULES 2020

  • 47.01 Definitions
  • 47.02 Application of amendments of rule 22A.02
  • 47.03 Application of amendments of rule 22A.03
  • 47.04 Application of amendments of rule 22A.04
  • 47.05 Application of amendments of rule 22A.05
  • 47.06 Application of amendments of rule 22A.07

PART 48--TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE FEDERAL CIRCUIT COURT AMENDMENT (POWERS DELEGATED TO REGISTRARS) RULES 2020

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