Federal Circuit Court of Australia Legislation Amendment Act 2012

The following is a simplified outline of this Act:

• The federal court known immediately before the commencement day as the Federal Magistrates Court is continued in existence as the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

• The Federal Circuit Court of Australia consists of a Chief Judge and other Judges.

• Jurisdiction is conferred on the Federal Circuit Court of Australia by other laws of the Commonwealth.

• Jurisdiction is to be exercised in the General Division or the Fair Work Division of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

• The Federal Circuit Court of Australia is to promote the use of dispute resolution processes that are likely to assist people to resolve disputes away from the courts.

• Proceedings in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia may be transferred to the Federal Court or the Family Court.

• Provision is made for the practice and procedure of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. The Court will be able to use streamlined procedures and operate without undue formality.

• The Chief Judge is to manage the administrative affairs of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

• There is to be a Chief Executive Officer, who is to assist the Chief Judge in managing the administrative affairs of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

• In addition to the Chief Executive Officer, there are to be Registrars and other officers of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

• Officers of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia may hold dual appointments as officers of the Federal Court or the Family Court.

• Arrangements may be made for the Federal Circuit Court of Australia to share facilities with other courts.