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Home, Search, Index, Site Map, Top, Previous, Next Federal Magistrates Court of Australia About the CourtFederal Magistrates Court of Australia Complaints PolicyFederal Magistrates Court of Australia Complaints PolicyHow can I make a complaint?You can send your written complaint by post or email. Generally complaints should be addressed to:
You will need to include the following details with your complaint: Your full name Complaints about delays in delivery of reserved judgments and the conduct of judicial officers should be addressed to the Chief Federal Magistrate (see “Delay in delivery of reserved judgments” and “Judicial conduct” below). The Court will acknowledge your complaintThe Court will generally acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and will endeavour to provide a formal response within 20 working days. Types of ComplaintsAdministrative issues Judicial decisions and conduct of proceedings There are time limits for the filing of an appeal. The Court’s website has information on appeal processes. You may wish to seek legal advice to determine whether appealing the decision in your case is appropriate. Court staff cannot provide legal advice. Judicial Conduct Complaints relating to judicial conduct should be addressed to: Chief Federal Magistrate Delay in delivery of reserved judgments Complaints relating to the delivery of reserved judgements should be addressed to the Chief Federal Magistrate, whose details are provided below, or to the President of the appropriate State or Territory Law Society/Institute or Bar Association. Chief Federal Magistrate Complaints in pending proceedings Child abuse Family dispute resolution services and family reports The Regional Dispute Resolution Co-ordinator will endeavour to address your concerns with the person or organisation to whom your complaint relates and provide a response to you. However, if you disagree with a Family Report, as with any evidence, the appropriate venue for challenging the Report is at your hearing by cross-examination. This is where you, or your lawyer, may ask the Family Consultant questions about the contents of the Report and their assessment of your family. If you wish to cross-examine the Family Consultant who prepared your Report you, or your lawyer, must write to the Family Consultant at least 14 days before the hearing. Lawyers, Independent Children’s Lawyers, and legal costs If you have a complaint about the conduct of your lawyer, about a bill you have received from your lawyer, or about the conduct of another lawyer, including an Independent Children’s Lawyer, that does not relate to current proceedings before the Court, you should contact the relevant body in your State or Territory – see below for contact details. In relation to complaints about Independent Children’s Lawyers, you may wish to also notify the relevant State or Territory legal aid body responsible for appointment of the Independent Children’s Lawyer in your matter. Note - it is a good idea to first try and resolve any issues directly with the lawyer before making a formal complaint. Australian Capital Territory Phone: (02) 6247 5700 New South Wales Northern Territory Phone: (08) 8981 5104 Queensland Phone: (07) 3406 7737 or 1300 655 754 South Australia Phone: (08) 8212 7924 Tasmania Phone: (03) 6234 4133 Victoria Phone: (03) 9679 8001 or 1300 796 344 Western Australia Phone: (08) 9461 2299 Vexatious complaints and Complainant misconductThe Court may not respond to your complaint if it is vexatious or lacks substance. The Court has no power to investigate allegations of corruption or criminality. If a complaint raises issues which have already been responded to then no further response will be provided.
ABN 60 265 617 271 |