The Federal Court

The Federal Court of Australia was created by the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) as a superior court of record and a court of law and equity. It sits in all capital cities and elsewhere in Australia when necessary. The Court has jurisdiction in relation to almost all civil matters and a range of summary and indictable corporate criminal matters arising under Australian federal law. The Court deals with cases in relation to admiralty, bankruptcy, competition, consumer protection, corporations, defamation, human rights and anti-discrimination, industrial and employment, intellectual property, taxation and native title. It also judicially reviews a wide range of federal Government decisions in areas such as social security and immigration.

Position Overview

The Court has successfully implemented a number of important reforms through the National Court Framework (NCF) including the allocation of case work to judges on a national basis, the organisation and management of the Court's work nationally through the introduction of nine National Practice Areas (NPAs) and reform of the Court’s practice and procedure through the introduction of a suite of new practice notes, including the Central Practice Note. The National Judicial Registrar – Original Jurisdiction works directly with the Chief Justice in relation to the allocation and management of judicial work on a national basis. This role is also responsible for the management of the National Operations Team. The role will also perform delegated judicial functions, including mediations and presiding over Court hearings.

Key responsibilities

This senior leadership role supports the Chief Justice in:

• implementing the national allocation system on a national basis across all NPAs in accordance with the NCF Allocation Protocols;
• focusing primarily on the allocation and reallocation of original jurisdiction work, whist working closely and collaboratively with the National Judicial Registrar – Appeals in relation to the allocation and reallocation of Full Court and appellate work;
• in-depth analysis and assessment of judicial workload, including ensuring high quality reporting, analysing trends in filings, and overseeing and providing recommendations regarding the management of judge-related workload across original jurisdiction and appellate matters;
• ensuring that judges, their related staff and registries, as well as litigants and other external stakeholders, have a clear understanding as to the operation of the NCF, including ensuring consistent and appropriate allocations of judge-related matters and ensuring that NCF resources are kept up to date.
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The National Judicial Registrar – Original Jurisdiction is responsible for the leadership and management of the staff in the National Operations Team.

The National Judicial Registrar – Original Jurisdiction will also perform delegated judicial functions at a high level for judges locally and nationally, including:

• conducting high level and complex mediations in large, multi-party or cross-registry proceedings, class actions and in high profile matters; and
• carrying out high level and complex case management support for judges, such as expert witness conferences and case management in large, multi-party or cross-registry proceedings.

In addition, the National Judicial Registrar – Original Jurisdiction may also carry out delegated judicial functions by way of presiding over Court hearings.

This role would suit a senior practitioner who can demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the Federal Court’s jurisdiction, practices and procedures and familiarity with all of the Court’s nine NPAs.

Key Relationships

• Chief Justice and Judges: support, liaise and consult with in relation to the national allocation system, workload analysis and reporting, and all other areas concerning National Operations.
• CEO & Principal Registrar: support, liaise and consult with in relation to the national allocation system, workload analysis and reporting, and all other areas concerning National Operations.
• National Judicial Registrar – Appeals: work closely and collaboratively with in relation to the allocation and reallocation Full Court and appellate work, workload analysis and reporting and the management of staff in the National Operations Team.
• National Operations Team: provide strong leadership and day to day management and support, whilst fostering a positive work environment and optimal productivity.
• Chambers / Registry staff: provide guidance and support and a clear understanding as to the operation of the NCF, including ensuring that NCF resources are kept up to date.
• Legal profession and litigants: liaise with the legal profession and litigants, as required, foster a clear understanding as to the operation of the NCF, and ensure that public facing NCF resources are kept up to date.

Qualifications and experience

This position requires the occupant to perform statutory legal functions, as required, including conducting mediations and case management. Legal qualifications and admission as a practitioner of the High Court and/or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia is essential.

In addition, it is highly desirable for the applicant to have:

• an in-depth understanding of the jurisdiction and practices and procedures of the Court;
• a familiarity with all of the Court’s nine NPAs, or the ability to quire such familiarity quickly;
• extensive leadership experience and a collaborative style with strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• the ability to undertake analytical and legal work and to evaluate, prioritise and appropriately respond to a large volume of queries in a high pressured environment;
• the ability to work autonomously and with the necessary authority and accountability in a senior role
• be accredited as a mediator with experience in conducting mediations

Section Criteria

In addition to the Integrated Leadership System (ILS), candidates will be expected to demonstrate the leadership attributes and qualities outlined in the Secretaries’ Charter of Leadership Behaviours, and the SES Capability Framework:

• Visionary: Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of strategic planning and advice at the most senior levels. Ability to champion the organisation's vision and goals and promote a shared commitment to the strategic direction, including likely future requirements.
• Delivers Results: Expertise in delivering outcomes in line with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. Proven track record overseeing the implementation of multiple initiatives in Digital Transformation, ensuring stakeholders are kept informed and engaged in an environment of ongoing change and uncertainty.
• Enabling: Demonstrated ability to create an environment that empowers diverse individuals and teams to deliver their best for government and court users. This includes setting expectations, being inclusive, nurturing talent and building organisational capability.
• Influential: Strong capability in building trust, balancing competing interests and finding common ground. As this role is a facilitator for strategic alignment, an openness to diverse perspectives is critical, as is sustaining collaborative relationships. Ability to negotiate persuasively and represent the court externally.
• Self-Awareness: Demonstrates resilience and a strong commitment to ethical practices and APS values. High level of personal integrity, emotional intelligence and self-motivation

Eligibility

Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:

1. Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
2. Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment.
3. Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired.

Diversity and Inclusion

Federal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability.

First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.

Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.

Contact Officer

For more information, please contact Andrea Jarratt, Director, Principal Registry and National Operations via telephone (03) 8638 6814 or email [email protected].

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal.

As part of your application, you will be required to submit a written response to the selection criteria listed in the position description (maximum word limit 1500). Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application

If you have any technical issues with applying, please email [email protected].

Application Close: Sunday, 3 August 2025 at 11:30 pm (AEST)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.