THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Attorney-General
Minister for Emergency Management
MEDIA RELEASE
LEGISLATION TO RE-NAME THE FEDERAL MAGISTRATES COURT PASSED
Yesterday the Parliament passed the second of two Bills necessary to change the of name of the Federal Magistrates Court to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the title of Federal Magistrate to Judge.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC MP said the name change more accurately reflects the Federal Magistrates Courts modern role.
This package of legislation is an important measure recognising the prominence of the Federal Magistrates Courts circuit work and its accessibility for all court users, Mr Dreyfus said.
The Federal Circuit Court of Australia (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2012 will operate together with the Federal Circuit Court of Australia Legislation Amendment Act 2012, and make consequential amendments to Commonwealth legislation to reflect the name and title changes.
Updating references to the Courts new name across the Commonwealth statute book will ensure a smooth transition for the Court and its users, Mr Dreyfus said.
Passage of the legislation to change the name of the Federal Magistrates Court follows a recent $38 million injection into the courts in part to maintain services for regional residents, and complements other important court reforms by the Australian Government, including:
- implementing a transparent complaints process against judicial officers,
- expanding the diversity of judicial appointments,
- introducing legislation to establish the Military Court of Australia, and
- merging of the administrative functions of the Family Court and the Federal Magistrates Court to allow both courts to operate more efficiently and effectively.
FRIDAY, 1 MARCH 2013
