Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

FAMILY LAW ACT 1975 - SECT 21B

             (1)  The Chief Judge is responsible for ensuring the effective, orderly and expeditious discharge of the business of the Court.

          (1A)  In discharging his or her responsibility under subsection (1) (and without limiting the generality of that subsection) the Chief Judge:

                     (a)  may, subject to this Act and to such consultation with Judges as is appropriate and practicable, do all or any of the following:

                              (i)  make arrangements as to the Judge or Judges who is or are to constitute the Court, or the Full Court, in particular matters or classes of matters;

                             (ii)  without limiting the generality of subparagraph (i)--assign particular caseloads, classes of cases or functions to particular Judges;

                            (iii)  temporarily restrict a Judge to non-sitting duties; and

                     (b)  must ensure that arrangements are in place to provide Judges with appropriate access to (or reimbursement for the cost of):

                              (i)  annual health assessments; and

                             (ii)  short-term counselling services; and

                            (iii)  judicial education.

             (2)  The Deputy Chief Judge shall assist the Chief Judge in the exercise of the functions conferred on the Chief Judge by this section.

             (3)  A Judge Administrator shall, in relation to such part of Australia as is from time to time assigned by the Chief Judge, assist the Chief Judge and the Deputy Chief Judge in the exercise of such of the functions conferred on the Chief Judge by this section as are from time to time so assigned.

             (4)  In exercising, or assisting in the exercise of, the functions or powers mentioned in paragraph (1A)(a), the Chief Judge and the Deputy Chief Judge have the same protection and immunity as if they were exercising, or assisting in the exercise of, those functions or powers as, or as members of, the Court.

             (5)  Despite section 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 , the Federal Court of Australia does not have jurisdiction with respect to a matter relating to the exercise by the Chief Judge of, or relating to the Deputy Chief Judge assisting in the exercise of, the functions or powers mentioned in subsection (1A).