Julie Kearney

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia was established by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021, bringing together the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. These reforms received Royal Assent on 1 March 2021 and commenced on 1 September 2021. The Court comprises two divisions: • Division 1 (a continuation of the Family Court of Australia) deals with family law matters. • Division 2 (a continuation of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia) deals with family law, migration and general federal law matters. With a focus on innovation and fair and efficient processes that centre on risk, responsiveness and resolution, the new Court provides Australian families the opportunity to resolve their disputes faster through simplified procedures. The system prioritises minimising risk and harm to children and vulnerable parties, and parties are given ongoing opportunities for dispute resolution where it is safe to do so. For those cases that do need to proceed to litigation, the Court provides a modern, transparent and more efficient system of justice which is aimed at getting these parties through the process as safely, quickly and fairly as possible without undue delay. In the general federal law and migration jurisdictions, the Court ensures that justice is delivered effectively and efficiently through the enhanced use of technology and centralised case management processes.