Courts' administrative entities to merge

Under new cost saving measures passed in parliament yesterday, the administrative functions of three courts will merge.

Attorney-general senator George Brandis has announced the coalition government will merge the services of the Federal Court of Australia with those of the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia into a single administrative entity.

The amendments, passed yesterday, will make the courts more efficient and mean that courts can direct funds away from administrative functions, according to a statement released yesterday.

The government estimates the changes would save $9.4m over six years to 2020 and $5.4m annually after that time, with the savings to be reinvested in the courts. 

The government has announced two other measures to help restore the financial sustainability of the courts: an additional $22.5m over four years from 2015-16 and $30m in funding for critical maintenance works for court buildings.

The changes will be implemented from 1 July.
 

Recent articles & video

UK family lawyers launch mental health resource for divorce clients

Bankruptcy attorney Jamie Sprayregen departs Kirkland & Ellis for Hilco Global

DLA Piper bolsters US-Africa practice with Kalidou Gadio as new co-chair

Lander & Rogers launches workplace law elective at QUT

CE Family Law's Louise Hunter had an Erin Brockovich for a grandma

WFW picks up win at 2024 Australian ADR Awards

Most Read Articles

Hamilton Locke partner transitions to Lander & Rogers

Global law firm Kirkland & Ellis advises on multi-billion-dollar merger in the natural gas sector

Two Australian lawyers ascend to partner in major HFW promotions round

ALRC releases anti-discrimination, religious educational institution law recommendations