Agency Overview The Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar of the Federal Court, together with officers and staff identified under the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 and the Native Title Act 1993, constitute a single Statutory Agency for the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999. Employees are engaged to work in support of the following courts or tribunal: Federal Court of Australia, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (collectively, 'the FCFCOA'); and National Native Title Tribunal. Employees are covered by the Federal Court of Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027. The Federal Court, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) each maintain a distinct statutory identity, with separate functions and judicial independence. Jurisdiction This role sits within the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) ('the Court'). On 1 September 2021, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (FCFCOA Act) harmonised the administrative structure of the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia into the FCFCOA. The FCFCOA comprises Division 1 (which is a continuation of the Family Court) and Division 2 (which is a continuation of the Federal Circuit Court). This structural reform is designed to create a framework in the FCFCOA to ensure that families have their matters dealt with as safely, quickly, efficiently and cost effectively as possible. The FCFCOA (Division 1) is a superior court of record and a court of law and equity established by Parliament in 1975 under Chapter III of the Constitution. The Court's purpose is to determine the most complex legal family disputes, cover specialised areas in family law, and provide national coverage as the family law appellate court. The Court maintains registries in all Australian States and Territories except Western Australia. The FCFCOA (Division 2) is a federal court of record and a court of law and equity established by Parliament as an independent federal court under Chapter III of the Constitution. The jurisdiction of the FCFCOA (Division 2) includes family law and child support, which it shares with the FCFCOA (Division 1), and areas of general federal law, which it shares with the Federal Court of Australia. The FCFCOA (Division 2) sits in all capital cities, selected major regional centres, and also circuits to a number of regional locations. All family law proceedings now commence in the FCFCOA (Division 2). The FCFCOA (Division 2) also comprises general federal law and migration jurisdictions. The Court's general federal law jurisdiction includes administrative law, admiralty law, bankruptcy, consumer law (formerly trade practices), human rights, industrial, intellectual property and privacy. The Court shares this jurisdiction with the Federal Court and in some cases state courts. The FCFCOA comprises Australia's largest federal courts. It places significant focus on delivering access to justice to people living in regional areas. Purpose of Position The Deputy Associate is part of a small team who assist the Judge in the day-to-day management of Chambers and Court. This role also assists with the preparation of Court materials for the judge and involves undertaking legal research and assisting with judgment preparation as required. The key duties of the position include Key Responsibilities and Duties Assist in the conduct of Court proceedings, including the transcription of orders, ensuring the orderly conduct of matters and general Courtroom management; Assist the Associate in the day-to-day management of chambers including responding to enquiries and, as required, managing the Associate inbox on behalf of the Judge; Undertake legal research as required by the Judge, including identifying relevant legislation, summarising key legal authorities and preparation and maintenance of legal research materials; Assist the Judge with the management of cases and, as required, enter data into the Court's case management systems to reflect the outcomes of Court events; Assist with the preparation of matters for both the Court and the Judge, which may include the preparation of case summaries, general file maintenance and other tasks as required; Assist the Judge with the preparation and delivery of judgments, which may include undertaking complex legal research as well as editing in line with the Courts' judgments publication standards; Assist with the general operation of chambers; and Other duties, as required. Qualifications It is a mandatory that candidates have completed (or near completed) a qualification in law with a strong academic record.
