Before starting an application, see the Central Practice Direction – General Federal Law proceedings, which sets out the procedural requirements and steps in the general federal law proceedings.
Instructions for completion
- This form is used in all general federal law proceedings where no other form of response is applicable under the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2025 (the Rules).
- Do not use this form if your response is to an application relating to family law, child support or matters arising under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 or Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986. Ask registry staff for appropriate forms in these jurisdictions.
- You must complete address for service details in the footer on page 1. All correspondence concerning the proceeding will be sent to the email address or mailing address inserted and all documents in the proceedings will be deemed to have been served on you if emailed or posted to that address. If your address details change, you must file a notice of address for service within seven days and serve a copy on all other parties: see rule 10.28.
- You do not need to complete the ‘Further orders sought by respondent/s section’ if you are not seeking further or alternative orders, or you are only seeking dismissal of the application with costs or opposing interlocutory orders. You only need to complete this section if you claim further or alternative orders, including by way of a cross-claim. If further or alterative orders are sought, a fee may be payable.
- The grounds of opposition or further orders must explain briefly the basis on which the orders are sought.
- If an affidavit was filed with the originating application, the evidence supporting this response must be provided by affidavit/s filed with this response: see subrule 8.15(5). However, an affidavit is not required in certain circumstances; see subrules 8.15(6). For further information on requirements for affidavits: see Division 17.3 of the Rules.
- If a statement of claim or points of claim was filed with the originating application, a respondent who wishes to defend the proceeding must file a defence or points of defence with the response: see subrule 8.15(4).
- Unless the Court orders otherwise, you must file and serve any response which you rely on within 28 days of receiving the application: see subrule 8.15(7).
- If you are completing this response by hand and you need more space in any section, attach extra page/s as required.
- Once complete, you should file this form electronically through eLodgment: see Rule 2.12(1). If you cannot electronically file this form you should contact the registry to discuss lodgment options.
- You will need to serve a copy on the other party or parties and keep a copy for your records.
