Copyright
© Commonwealth of Australia 2025
The Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (collectively, ‘the Courts’) provide all material (unless otherwise noted and with the exception of the Coat of Arms) with Creative Commons (CC) Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported licensing. Material may be distributed, as long as it remains unchanged and the Court is credited as the creator. More information can be found at: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/.
Contact details
CEO and Principal Registrar, David Pringle PSM – ceo.legal@fcfcoa.gov.au.
Otherwise, all queries in relation to this document should be directed to rap@fcfcoa.gov.au or the National Enquiry Centre on 1300 352 000.
Acknowledgement of Country and Traditional Owners
In the spirit of reconciliation, the Courts show respect to and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, sea and waterways of the towns, cities and regions where the Courts operate in and around. We pay our respects to all Elders both past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who work in the Courts and all those who connect with the Courts. The Courts recognise the family and kin systems and structures that have existed and operated for thousands of years. We reflect and acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families who play on, connect with, and walk this Country.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware that this document may contain the images and names of deceased persons.
Artwork
Ngambalangi Bayamukunyi – For Our Children
This painting represents the family court system working hard with lawyers, judges, and families to make sure the best possible outcome is achieved for our children. The painting shows everyone working together to ensure connection to Country, culture and kinship are maintained for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in the system.
About the artist
Zoe Mardijbalina Fitzpatrick is a Yanyuwa and Garrwa woman from Borroloola in the Northern Territory. She was taught how to paint by her mother Maria Manbakuwaku Pyro in her early teens. It wasn’t until she moved to Adelaide in 2017 to study nursing, that she began painting on her own to stay connected to her culture while living in a foreign city. She started her own business in 2020, calling it Mardijbalina art which is her bush name she was given at birth. Zoe works as a child health nurse at an Aboriginal medical service in Alice Springs and runs her small art business on the side.
Foreword by Chief Justice Alstergren AO
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (collectively, the Courts) acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as First Nations Peoples and the Traditional Owners of this land.
This 2025–2027 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) reflects the Courts’ continuing commitment to supporting access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
As it then was in 2014, the Federal Circuit Court was the first court in Australia to enter into a RAP, and I am immensely proud to be the Head of Jurisdiction of this Court, which continues to build upon the actions and deliverables of previous RAPs. The Court’s path to Reconciliation continues through the renewal of the RAP and through the dedication of the Indigenous Access to Justice/RAP Working Group and the work of the Indigenous Family Liaison Officers (IFLOs). The Court is joined in this RAP by the FCFCOA (Division 1), which reflects the importance of common goals and aspirations for both Courts in striving towards Reconciliation.
The Judges of both Courts demonstrated their commitment to deepening their understanding and awareness of Aboriginal cultures through the Annual Judges’ Plenary, which was held in Alice Springs in June 2023. This provided an opportunity for the Judges to engage with the communities of Ntaria and Ltyentye Apurte and the Arrente People of Alice Springs.
The Courts also convened a First Nations Forum in Brisbane in August this year, where we met with more than 50 stakeholders representing First Nations legal services, family violence services, other social support services, Government representatives and First Nations leaders to listen to First Nations experiences of interacting with our courts, and brainstorm together what we could do in the future. Immediately following the Forum, myself, four Judges and six senior staff were privileged to be able to attend the Garma Festival to deepen our learning and understanding of First Nations cultures.
The Indigenous Access to Justice Committee/RAP Working Group, alongside the IFLOs employed at the Courts, have developed initiatives which have resulted in an increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples engaging with the Courts. While this may seem counterintuitive to a court system, the increased engagement with the FCFCOA provides an avenue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to access services relevant to family disputes and provides options to place children who are at risk in the care of kin and extended family members. The increased engagement is a collective influence of the Specialist Indigenous Lists, the employment of IFLOs nationally, the expansion of the RAP deliverables and the ongoing education of judicial officers. We also have two First Nations staff, a Legal and Policy Assistant and an Intern working in my Chambers providing guidance and working on broader Court projects.
It is imperative that the Courts and their staff continue to develop cultural competency and an understanding of the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This will ensure that our approach to providing various services, and more broadly, providing equal access to justice, is appropriate and informed.
This RAP builds on the foundations developed in previous RAPs to deliver truly practical measures to promote Reconciliation and address, with greater commitment, some of the barriers faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples when engaging with the Courts’. It also prioritises strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and community leaders, agencies servicing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, legal services and other stakeholders, in order to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to access the Court.
I commend all involved for their hard work and commitment to the goals of the previous version of the RAP, and it is with great pleasure that I present the 2025 to 2027 RAP of both Courts.
The Honourable Justice Alstergren AO
Chief Justice, Family Court of Australia
Chief Judge, Federal Circuit Court of Australia
Statement from CEO of Reconciliation Australia
Reconciliation Australia commends The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (collectively, the Courts) on the formal endorsement of its third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for organisations to leverage their structures and diverse spheres of influence to support the national reconciliation movement.
With close to 3 million people now either working or studying in an organisation with a RAP, the program’s potential for impact is greater than ever. FCFCOA continues to be part of a strong network of more than 3,000 corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations that have taken goodwill and transformed it into action.
The four RAP types – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate – allow RAP partners to continuously strengthen reconciliation commitments and constantly strive to apply learnings in new ways.
An Innovate RAP is a crucial and rewarding period in an organisation’s reconciliation journey. It is a time to build the strong foundations and relationships that ensure sustainable, thoughtful, and impactful RAP outcomes into the future.
An integral part of building these foundations is reflecting on and cataloguing the successes and challenges of previous RAPs. Learnings gained through effort and innovation are invaluable resources that FCFCOA will continuously draw upon to create RAP commitments rooted in experience and maturity.
These learnings extend to FCFCOA using the lens of reconciliation to better understand its core business, sphere of influence, and diverse community of staff and stakeholders.
The RAP program’s emphasis on relationships, respect, and opportunities gives organisations a framework from which to foster connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples rooted in mutual collaboration and trust.
This Innovate RAP is an opportunity for FCFCOA to strengthen these relationships, gain crucial experience, and nurture connections that will become the lifeblood of its future RAP commitments. By enabling and empowering staff to contribute to this process, FCFCOA will ensure shared and cooperative success in the long-term.
Gaining experience and reflecting on pertinent learnings will ensure the sustainability of FCFCOA’s future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, providing meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey.
Congratulations FCFCOA on your third Innovate RAP and I look forward to following your ongoing reconciliation journey.
Karen Mundine
Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia
Special mention
The Chief Justice and the Courts recognise the late Ms Josephine Akee AM who was a proud Torres Strait Islander woman who worked in the family law justice system for over 25 years and was the first IFLO appointed at the Courts. Through her contribution to the Courts, her wisdom and knowledge increased the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples accessing the Courts.
Special mention must also be made of the enormous contribution of Judge Robyn Sexton who served on the Indigenous Access to Justice Committee since 2012 until her retirement in late 2017. Her Honour showed great compassion and energy in her work in improving access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander litigants in the then Federal Circuit Court and is sorely missed by the Court.
Our vision for Reconciliation in the Courts
The Courts’ vision for Reconciliation is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to have greater access to, and engagement with, a family court system which is attuned to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and considers broader perspectives in case management practices. The vision is achieved through connection and collaboration with the community and the engagement of the IFLOs employed at the Courts and supported through the office of the CEO and Principal Registrar of the Courts, David Pringle PSM. IFLOs are presently located in a number of locations within Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. By doing so, the Courts seek to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander litigants to have an increased opportunity to fully participate in proceedings and create an accessible justice system for Australia’s First Peoples, within the Courts.
Introduction to the Courts
The Federal Circuit and Family Court (Division 1) has original and appellate jurisdiction in family law.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court (Division 2) has jurisdiction across a broad range of general federal law practice areas, as well as original jurisdiction in family law.
The Courts are separate federal courts, established in 1976 and 2000 under Chapter III of the Australian Constitution.
The present structure of the Courts is set out in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (Cth) Pursuant to section 8 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (Cth), the federal court known immediately before 1 September 2021 as the Family Court of Australia was continued in existence as the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and the federal court known as the Federal Circuit Court of Australia was continued in existence as the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).
Each court remains a constitutionally separate court, one a superior court of record exercising family law jurisdiction only and the other a court of record exercising jurisdiction in family law, migration law and general federal law.
The judiciary
The Honourable William Alstergren AO is the Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and is assisted by the Honourable Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AO.
He is also the Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia (Division 2). In this Court, he is assisted by two Deputy Chief Judges, Deputy Chief Judge Robert McClelland AO (Family Law) and Deputy Chief Judge Patrizia Mercuri (General and Fair Work).
As at 28 April 2025, 126 judges held appointment to the Courts, with 35 appointed to the FCFCOA (Division 1), and 91 appointed to the FCFCOA (Division 2).
A full list of judges is available here: www.fcfcoa.gov.au/Judges.
Background
The Courts have 19 registries, located in each State and Territory capital, including registries in Albury, Dubbo, Parramatta, Wollongong, Townsville, Dandenong, Cairns, Lismore, Rockhampton, Launceston and Newcastle.
Judges of the FCFCOA (Division 2) currently also sit in rural and regional locations to assist in meeting the Courts’ commitment to providing services to rural and regional areas of Australia. These sittings are known as circuits. In 2023–24, the Court sat in approximately 30 locations as part of its extensive circuit program, including in locations such as Mackay, Burnie, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Armidale, Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Mt Gambier, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Southport, Maroochydore, Alice Springs, Geelong, Mildura, Morwell, Shepparton/Cobram, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Bendigo and Tamworth.
Judicial and Senior Judicial Registrars are utilised in the case management of matters to enable Judges to focus on complex hearings in a timely manner. Registrars also regularly support Circuit locations and regional Australia. Interim Hearings with respect to matters concerning children and property are also regularly heard by a Senior Judicial Registrar. Many Court-based dispute resolution events are also conducted by Registrars, often with Court Child Experts (CCEs), to resolve disputes safely and expeditiously.
The Court Children’s Service (CCS) is staffed by psychologists and social workers who have specialist expertise in the needs of children in families that are separated. The role of the service is to assist parents, Judges and Registrars to make decisions about arrangements that are in the best interests of the children. CCEs and Regulation 40 Family Consultants in their statutory appointment as Family Consultants undertake assessments early in proceedings or later in proceedings for final hearings. CCEs also assist Registrars in the delivery of dispute resolution conferences.
Triage Counsellors (TCs) play an integral role in supporting litigants and children at increased risk as a result family violence, mental health, drug and alcohol misuse, and child abuse and neglect. TCs, as highly qualified professionals with extensive clinical experience, are an essential part of the Courts’ Lighthouse program, which is a world-first and award-winning FCFCOA program to screen for risk, with a primary focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable and at-risk litigants and children.
The Courts’ facts and figures
As at 30 June 2024, more than 650 staff provide services to the Courts. This includes more than 150 Registrars exercising delegated judicial powers, and more than 120 Court Child Experts.
Approximately 25 staff and one Judge identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.
In 2012, Judge Matthew Myers AM was appointed to the then Federal Magistrates Court of Australia, being the first Aboriginal federal judicial officer appointed in Australia.
The workload of the Courts is significant in servicing the Australian public.
In the financial year ending 30 June 2024 Division 1 received 2,482 applications, comprising of the following:
Total filings by application type, 2023–24
| Application type | Filings | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Applications for final orders |
819 |
33.0% |
| Applications for interim orders (applications in a proceeding) |
1,448 |
58.3% |
| Other |
215 |
8.7% |
| Total |
2,482 |
100% |
For the same period, Division 2 received 103,212 applications in total, comprising of: 95,557 applications in family law; 3,079 applications in general federal law, and 4,576 applications in migration.
Total filings by application type, 2023–25
| Application type | Filings | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Applications for final orders |
13,856 |
14.5% |
| Applications for interim orders (applications in a proceeding) |
18,649 |
19.5% |
| Applications for divorce |
44,199 |
46.3% |
| Applications for consent orders |
16,388 |
17.1% |
| Other |
2,465 |
2.6% |
| Total |
95,557 |
100% |
General federal law applications filed by type, 2023–24
| General federal law | Filings | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative |
25 |
1% |
| Admiralty |
4 |
0% |
| Bankruptcy |
1,382 |
45% |
| Consumer |
406 |
13% |
| Fair work |
1,133 |
37% |
| Human rights |
109 |
4% |
| Intellectual property |
20 |
1% |
| Total |
3,079 |
100% |
Pending migration caseload by case type, 30 June 2024
| Visa type | Percentage of total pending migration caseload |
|---|---|
| Bridging |
0.31% |
| Business |
0.32% |
| Family |
0.58% |
| New Zealand |
0.07% |
| Partner |
3.18% |
| Permanent NEC |
0.03% |
| Protection |
61.23% |
| Resident Return |
0.13% |
| Skilled |
9.55% |
| Student |
20.42% |
| Temporary activity |
0.38% |
| Visitor/Medical treatment |
2.51% |
| Other |
1.29% |
| Total |
100% |
Proportion of final order applications filed with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander party, 2019–20 to 2023–24.
| 2023–24 | 7.0% |
|---|---|
| 2022–23 | 6.9% |
| 2021–22 | 6.8% |
| 2020–21 | 6.2% |
| 2019–20 | 5.2% |
Across the last five financial years, there has been an increase in the number of parties identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in filed applications. In 2023-24, almost 7 per cent of final order applications included an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander litigant. This is a national average, and the figure is as high as 10 to 20 per cent in some registries, such as Cairns, Townsville, Newcastle and Darwin. It is important to note that these figures are based on those who disclose their Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage and connection on court final order application documents. Given an individual may choose not to identify themselves, or disclose their heritage on court documents, these numbers may in fact be higher.
For more of the Courts’ facts and figures, see the Courts’ Annual Reports here: www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fcfcoaannual-reports.
Family law
From 1 September 2021, the jurisdiction of the Courts was changed as a result of the commencement of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (Cth).
Division 2 is now the Court in which all family law and child support applications are filed in the federal family law system. As a result, the vast majority of family law applications continue to be case managed and heard in the Division 2.
The jurisdiction of Division 1 to hear new family law and child support proceedings is enlivened by way of transfer from Division 2. Matters are transferred to Division 1 for hearing where appropriate (for example, where matters are particularly complex or involve international issues). In addition, Division 1 continues to hold an appellate jurisdiction, in which family law appeals are heard and determined.
The Courts’ family law jurisdiction includes:
- Parenting orders: orders regarding parenting and care arrangements for a child/ren when their parents or caregivers cannot reach agreement. This includes parenting orders for kin carers and others who raise grandchildren or other child/ren.
- Financial orders: orders relating to the division of property or payment of maintenance following the breakdown of a marriage or eligible de facto relationship.
- Divorce applications: all applications for divorce, including orders relating to nullity and validity of marriage and divorce.
- Child support: applications and appeals.
- Child maintenance: orders for child maintenance in special circumstances.
- Parentage declarations and testing: orders declaring that a person is a parent of a child/ren or to assist in determining the parentage of a child/ren.
- Contravention: applications alleging a breach of an order of the Court.
- Injunctions: applications for an injunction in relation to property or children, including orders that assist with the personal protection of a party or a child/ren.
- Location and recovery: applications to obtain information, or publish information, about the whereabouts of a child/ren or to assist with the return of a child/ren to a parent or party, or an order for the retrieval of a child/ren in particular circumstances.
General federal law (FCFCOA Division 2)
FCFCOA Division 2 shares general federal law jurisdiction with the Federal Court of Australia. The largest volume of the Court’s work in this area is in bankruptcy and migration. The Court hears approximately 95 per cent of all migration applications filed in the federal courts. The Court also hears a significant number of industrial law and human rights matters.
The Court’s general federal law jurisdiction covers:
- Administrative: matters under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1997 and appeals from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
- Admiralty: claims such as freight claims, damage claims and seafarers’ wages.
- Bankruptcy: all civil claims and matters under the Bankruptcy Act 1966, except those requiring jury trials.
- Consumer: the Court has civil jurisdiction for claims under several provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (formerly the Trade Practices Act 1974). The Court also has civil jurisdiction with respect to claims under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.
- Human rights: federal unlawful discrimination matters under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986.
- Industrial: concurrent jurisdiction with the FCA for matters under the Fair Work Act 2009 (and related legislation) which confers small claims jurisdiction on the Court for various matters if the compensation is not more than $20,000. The Court also has jurisdiction in relation to certain matters under the Independent Contractors Act 2006.
- Intellectual and copyright: civil claims and matters under certain Parts of the Copyright Act 1968, such as claims for injunctions and damages for breach of copyright.
- Trademark/design: the Court has certain jurisdiction under the Trade Marks Act 1995 and the Designs Act 2003.
- Privacy: enforcing determinations of the Privacy Commissioner and private sector adjudicators under the Privacy Act 1988.
Migration (FCFCOA Division 2)
Migration law is a complex area of Administrative Law in which the Court hears most first instance judicial reviews of visa-related decisions of the Migration Review Tribunal, Refugee Review Tribunal and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (as it then was)/Administrative Review Tribunal.
Under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), the Court can review some decisions made by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, and decisions of merits review bodies like the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the Immigration Assessment Authority.
In recent years, the Court’s migration caseload has grown to now represent the second largest area of the Court’s jurisdiction (after family law).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
The Courts have continued to build on previous RAP goals to provide greater employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. By employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, the Courts affirm their commitment to Reconciliation, acknowledging that providing opportunities in law, enables the current and next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students to serve the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Courts. The Courts have also enhanced the ability to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by creating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific ‘identified’ positions with the employment of 17 IFLOs at 30 June 2024.
At 24 February 2025, the Courts have 25 staff and one Judge who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, up from 11 in 2018. The Courts seek to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and embraces the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
Reconciliation
Who is Reconciliation Australia?
Reconciliation Australia was established in 2001 and is the lead body for reconciliation in the nation. They are an independent not-for-profit organisation which promotes and facilitates reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Reconciliation Australia focuses on influencing organisations, people, and policies. Their purpose is to inspire and enable all Australians to contribute to the reconciliation of the nation.
Reconciliation Australia’s vision is for a just, equitable and reconciled Australia.
What is Reconciliation?
Reconciliation Australia is the national organisation promoting Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the broader Australian community. Reconciliation Australia’s vision is one of an Australia that recognises and respects the special place, cultures, rights and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and where good relationships between First Australians and other Australians become the foundation for local strength and success, and the enhancement of our national wellbeing.
Reconciliation is about building better relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the wider Australian community for the benefit of all Australians. Reconciliation is not an easy or straightforward process, and there is no single or direct pathway to achieve Reconciliation. However, the Courts acknowledge the importance of always building upon existing RAP strategies to maintain a continued commitment to the journey of Reconciliation.
If Reconciliation outcomes for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are to occur, it requires a firm and proactive approach in which the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are acknowledged and responded to, in order to devise innovative ways to create positive lasting change, on the path to Reconciliation.
Reconciliation in Australia is an ongoing commitment – it is both words and action. Reconciliation Australia cannot promote reconciliation alone and challenges all Australians to join them on a Reconciliation journey, and the Courts support that responsibility.
Indigenous Access to Justice Committee
The Indigenous Access to Justice Committee of the Federal Circuit and Family Court (Division 1 and Division 2) (the ‘Access to Justice Committee’ or ‘the Committee’) has had responsibility for developing and implementing the ideals set out in the Courts’ RAP and to ensure continuing engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Judges and staff from all around Australia and both Divisions sit on the Committee.
In 2024, the Committee comprised:
- Judge Josephine Willis AM (Chair)
- Judge Charlotte Kelly
- Judge Matthew Myers AM
- Justice Elizabeth Boyle
- Judge Joanne Stewart
- Judge Christopher Bowrey OAM
- Judge Patricia Cope
- Justice Shane Gill
- Justice Rebecca Curran
- Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar David Pringle PSM
- Senior Judicial Registrar, Gerardine Kelly
- Director – Indigenous Operations, Policy & Support, Kirsty Maylin, and
- Deputy Registrar and National Executive Legal and Policy Adviser to the CEO and Principal Registrar, Daniela Glavan (Secretariat).
The Indigenous Access to Justice Committee works towards improving access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, including promoting and implementing the action steps embedded in the RAP. Members of the Committee work together to:
- develop and draft the RAP
- attend RAP workshops, conferences, roadshows and other events nationally
- maintain an ongoing dialogue and relationship with Reconciliation Australia on a variety of issues as they arise
- support the Courts’ Specialist Indigenous Lists nationally
- support local and regional initiatives which improve access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- assume responsibility for receiving and responding to any RAP inquiries during the course of the RAP from inside or outside the Court, and
- champion the ideals of the RAP.
The Committee works collaboratively with the CEO’s office and national operations support staff to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and Court users. This includes staff working with the Committee to provide support with organising and registering events and distributing information throughout each registry for celebratory occasions such as National Reconciliation Week (NRW) and National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week.
The Courts’ Reconciliation Action Plan Journey
The Federal Circuit Court (as it then was) was the first Commonwealth Court in Australia to enter into a RAP in 2014. In 2018, the Family Court of Australia (as it then was) also entered into a RAP. Each Court, through the development and implementation of their respective RAP commitments, has historically strived to deliver outcomes which decrease the barriers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples accessing justice. The 2024–2026 RAP marks the beginning of a combined RAP within the Courts; however, the RAP Working Group recognises the previous efforts and achievements made by those individual Courts. To read about the journey and access previous RAPs, see the FCFCOA website. Reconciliation Action Plan 2019 – 2021: Federal Circuit Court of Australia
Special Indigenous List Expansion
Since the inception of the first Specialist Indigenous List in 2016 by Judge Robyn Sexton, the Courts have continued to increase the availability of these lists across the country. This expansion is aligned with the deliverables and outcomes of the Courts’ RAP commitments. The Courts are immensely proud of the ongoing development and operation of these lists as a direct and practical measure to increase access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Applications involving an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander litigant can be listed in the Special Indigenous Lists to enable access to culturally appropriate support services (legal and otherwise), that can assist families with a view to providing better access to the court system and associated services.
The Specialist Indigenous List is designed to support a less adversarial process in appropriate cases and includes a dedicated list structure which is separated from the usual case management pathway. These structures provide for important ‘conversations’ about the options that are available for families to address the issues before the Court. The Specialist Indigenous List provides an individualised approached, considering the individual needs, structure and connections of a particular family and child/ren. Where appropriate, family members who are connected to the issues in dispute may have the opportunity to be heard by the Judge or Registrar, particularly regarding matters of cultural authority. In many locations, IFLOs help parties to understand and engage with court processes and connect parties to legal and other support services.
As at 24 February 2025, a Specialist Indigenous List operates in Division 2 in the following locations:
- Adelaide (Judge Charlotte Kelly)
- Brisbane (Judge Louise Goodchild*)
- Lismore/Coffs Harbour (combined case management between Judge Leanne Turner, Judge Vivian Carty and Senior Judicial Registrar Tracy Flintoff)
- Melbourne (Judge Joanne Stewart)
- Newcastle (combined case management between Judge Jane Costigan and Senior Judicial Registrar Amy McGowan), and
- Sydney (Judge Dina Lioumis).
While geographically there are some differences in the way each list operates within that local area, holistically the objectives and aims of the lists are the same, regardless of location. The Courts acknowledge the need for a localised approach.
For locations where there is no operating Specialist Indigenous List, but a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filings, matters may be dealt with as part of the broader case management pathway, but a culturally responsive and specialised approach is taken to reflect the needs of community. This currently occurs in the following locations:
- Cairns (Judge Patricia Cope and Senior Judicial Registrar Corey Jenkins)
- Darwin/Alice Springs (Judge Anastasis Liveris and Senior Judicial Registrar Kris Norrington), and
- Townsville (Judge Christopher Bowrey OAM and Senior Judicial Registrar Kerrie Stuart).
The approach taken to these matters may include:
- giving a matter a standalone listing to give the parties more time, and more space, to discuss issues and engage with process
- arranging for face-to-face appearances where appearances would otherwise be electronic
- permitting a less formal Court appearance if appropriate or necessary to facilitate engagement
- linking parties together with an IFLO (where possible), or
- referring parties to local specialist services (with the assistance of an IFLO).
* Please note this has changed from Judge Josephine Willis AM
IFLOs
The Courts are immensely proud of the continued expansion, inclusion and development of the role of IFLOs. The IFLOs employed at the Courts are crucial to improving access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and achieving greater engagement for litigants and improving Court services.
IFLOs provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples faced with family breakdown and/or who are accessing services provided by the Courts. The role of the IFLO is designed to facilitate greater engagement with and better understanding of court processes, and to provide support to families navigating the Courts.
IFLOs also support other members of the community that may be involved in family disputes about children, such as grandparents and other kin carers. It is important to note that IFLOs are available to support all parties in a matter where a child/ren are identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, even if the parties to proceedings have not themselves identified, as the focus is on ensuring the best interests of the child/ren. IFLOs are impartial and their support is available for any litigant seeking their assistance.
The IFLOs are not advocates for litigants, however they provide a wide range of services to assist in navigating the family court system, processes and procedures, which may include:
- referring litigants and families to culturally appropriate legal services, community providers and/or health services
- assisting families with their attendance at Court hearings, dispute resolution and family interview processes
- differentiating family court processes from criminal justice and child protections systems to families and community members
- assisting parties to understand Court orders and filing obligations
- information sharing between litigants, communities and the Courts
- acting as a conduit between the Courts and local communities to assist in the review, development and updating of case
- management processes and protocols to be more culturally responsive, and
- otherwise providing varied support with all aspects of the case management pathway.
Importantly, the IFLOs can provide the Courts with insights into ways to improve the understanding and application of Cultures, Country and Kin.
The role of the IFLO also extends beyond the Court and includes:
- community and stakeholder engagement
- establishing and maintaining community links
- active consultation in relation to issues impacting families, and
- representing the Courts to the community.
Any matter which has a party who is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander has the option to utilise the assistance of an IFLO.
IFLOs focus on supporting local regions, but also provide broader national support where possible and appropriate. Some locations have vast catchment areas so that matters in locations without the benefit of a local IFLO are not disadvantaged.
The Courts are in the process of further recruitment of IFLOs and, as at April 2025, the Courts have 13 IFLOs based in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Launceston, Lismore, Newcastle, Sydney/Parramatta and Townsville. IFLOs work locally and support other regions nationally. are managed by Kirsty Maylin, Director of Indigenous Operations, Policy & Support and Daryl Hayes, Assistant Director of Indigenous Operations, Policy & Support.
The Courts will focus on the following: relationships, respect, opportunities and tracking progress.
1. Relationships
The Courts acknowledge the damage perpetrated by policies resulting in the forced removal of children from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. It is important that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have proper access to justice and the justice system, particularly where that justice affects the ability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to care for their children.
To enhance the Courts’ ability to promote access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, the Courts wish to adopt real and practical measures to build strong, enduring relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is important to the Courts to develop an understanding, amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kin carers, that parenting orders in relation to children they may be raising as kin carers are available through the Court system. Parenting orders can provide security in relation to the living arrangements of children being raised by kin carers, stabilise contact arrangements with their parents and provide for issues covered by parental responsibility orders.
Focus
Provide access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to the Courts.
Action
1.1 Celebrate, promote, and participate in NRW Week and other significant events in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders calendar by providing opportunities to build and maintain relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other Australians.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1.1 Encourage the celebration of NRW events both locally and nationally within the Courts. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director Indigenous Operations, Policy & Support (IOPS) |
| 1.1.2 Invite members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to be a part of the Courts’ NRW celebrations. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: National IFLO (Stakeholder Engagement) |
| 1.1.3 Invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students to NRW celebrations and offer opportunities to meet Judges and members of the Courts and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: National IFLO (Stakeholder Engagement) |
| 1.1.4 Ensure the Indigenous Access to Justice/ RAP Working Group supports and participates in a minimum of two external NRW events. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: Chair of the Access to Justice Committee Support: Secretariat of Access to Justice Committee |
| 1.1.5 IFLOs to have active participation and engagement in an external NRW week event and/or partnering with the appropriate community-controlled sector with the objective of promoting the role to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: National IFLO (Stakeholder Engagement) |
| 1.1.6 Develop a communication plan to promote and encourage all FCFCOA staff to participate in external and/or internal events to recognise and celebrate NRW and other significant dates on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar, where possible, and to enable ongoing awareness and engagement. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 | Lead: Director IOPS |
| 1.1.7 Register appropriate NRW events on Reconciliation Australia’s NRW website and promote the link to provide information around local events to encourage staff engagement in NRW activities. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 | Lead: Director IOPS |
| 1.1.8 Invite key local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, judicial and legal representatives including representatives from other Courts and community groups to the NRW events to continue to maintain relationships and ongoing engagement. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 | Lead: Director IOPS |
Action
1.2 Ensure ongoing engagement to enable stronger and more meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, legal services and other appropriate community-controlled sectors or agencies servicing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Peoples.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2.1 Enable and engage in conversations with appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers to determine how we can strengthen existing relationships and create new ones with the aims of working more collaboratively to assist with understanding and addressing local access to justice issues and raising visibility of the Specialist Indigenous Lists and IFLOs. | August 2025 and August 2026 |
Lead: Assistant Director IOPS Support: IFLOs |
| 1.2.2 Meet with local Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander community members to assist with understanding locally specific guidelines and/or cultural protocols for continued and respectful engagement. | August 2025, August 2026 and August 2027 |
Lead: Assistant Director IOPS Support: IFLOs |
| 1.2.3 Develop, implement, and maintain a strategic and flexible engagement plan to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders/legal services and the community-controlled sector. | August 2025, August 2026 and August 2027 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: Assistant Director IOPS |
| 1.2.4 Encourage staff to consult with, and access, information from cultural leaders, respected persons and culturally appropriate service providers through the development of internal resources to assist all staff who want to engage in this space and thereby share the cultural load for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. | June 2025, June 2026 and June 2027 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: Assistant Director IOPS |
| 1.2.5 Local Judges and Registrars to support IFLOs to be actively engaged with relevant legal and community service providers to assist with increasing visibility of the Specialist Indigenous List and IFLO role. | June 2025, June 2026 and June 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 1.2.6 IFLOs to continue to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and service providers to enable the facilitation of meetings and projects in collaboration with the Courts. | May, August, November 2025 and February May, August and November 2026, February, May 2027 |
Lead: Assistant Director IOPS Support: IFLOs |
| 1.2.7 Judges, Registrars and/or IFLOs to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kin carer groups, Bar Associations, and other groups who are focused on access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. |
June 2025, June 2026 and June 2027 (relevant to national family law symposiums and conferences frequently held annually) |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 1.2.8 Court representatives approach the relevant state child safety departments or organisations supporting children at risk, in each state to provide an opportunity to explain parenting orders under the Family Law Act 1975. Where appropriate, IFLOs be available to attend those meetings. | May, August, November 2025 and February May, August and November 2026, February, May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: National Judicial Registrar (Legal and Policy) |
| 1.2.9 IFLOs to engage in community engagement to increase visibility of the role and the Specialist Indigenous List. | May, August, November 2025 and February May, August and November 2026, February, May 2027 |
Lead: IFLOs Support: Assistant Director IOPS |
| 1.2.10 Pursue opportunities for the Courts to make connections with universities and colleges to promote the Courts’ engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law and justice studies students. |
June 2025, June 2026 and June 2027 (relevant to national family law symposiums and conferences frequently held annually) |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: CEO Legal – Legal and Policy Officer |
| 1.2.11 Invite community Elders, respected leaders and groups to present to staff members to engage, raise awareness and educate staff about opportunities to partner and work with community groups/senior Peoples and Elders. | June 2025, June 2026 and June 2027 |
Lead: Director IOPS and Assistant Director IOPS Support: IFLOs |
Action
1.3 Continue to increase internal and external awareness of our RAP with the aim of promoting and encouraging conversation in the Reconciliation space across the Courts and legal profession.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1.3.1 Include the RAP on the Courts’ website and the FCFCOA’s online presences to engage the Australian community in reconciliation by promoting good news stories and media articles that showcase and promote the work of the Courts in this space. | May 2025 |
Lead: Assistant Director IOPS Support: Director – Media and Public Affairs |
| 1.3.2 Promote publication of RAP to internal and external stakeholders. | May 2025 |
Lead: National Indigenous Family Liaison Officer (RAP) Support: Director – Media and Public Affairs |
| 1.3.3 Promote Reconciliation through ongoing active dialogue and engagement with stakeholders through personal meetings in both city and regional areas. | June 2025, June 2026 and June 2027 |
Lead: National IFLO (RAP) Support: IFLOs |
| 1.3.4 Encourage engagement between the co-located officers and the local IFLO or the National IFLO Director. | May, August, November 2025 and February May, August and November 2026, February, May 2027 |
Lead: Assistant Director IOPS Support: IFLOs |
| 1.3.5 Continue to produce material which is culturally appropriate to explain parenting and other orders available through the Courts, Specialist Indigenous Lists and the IFLO role whilst making reference to the Courts’ commitment to the RAP, that can be used at roadshows and significant cultural events, other external engagement activities as handouts, available at registry front desks and/or distributed through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Medical Centres and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. | August 2025, August 2026 and August 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Assistant Director IOPS |
| 1.3.6 Establish and maintain relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders in circuit locations. Where possible, arrange opportunities to connect with local legal profession, community and other relevant stakeholders. | May, August, November 2025 and February May, August and November 2026, February, May 2027 |
Lead: Assistant Director IOPS and National IFLO (Stakeholder Engagement) Support: IFLOs |
| 1.3.7 Where possible, share and disseminate information regarding the Access to Justice/RAP Working Group at the Courts’ annual conferences. | May, July and November 2025, May, July and November 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: National IFLO (RAP) Support: Access to Justice Committee |
Action
1.4 Promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4.1 Work with relevant HR staff having responsibility of, and direction over, the best practice policies in areas of race relations and anti-discrimination. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director of IOPS, supported by the Director (Legal and Integrity) and the Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
| 1.4.2 Discuss with the relevant HR staff having responsibility of, and direction over, the policies and procedures to identify existing anti-discrimination provisions, and future needs to inform the training delivery, continuing learning and development of staff employed in the Courts. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director of IOPS, supported by the Director (Legal and Integrity) and the Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
2. Respect
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are complex and diverse. First Nations Peoples have the oldest living cultural histories in the world, going back at least 50,000 years. The Courts acknowledge that fundamental to the issue of Reconciliation is the change towards a nationwide respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples cultures. Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is a ‘keystone’ in ensuring the Courts provide access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and litigants.
Focus
Improve awareness by developing appropriate cultural competency training for staff and the judiciary – to better enhance our delivery of judicial services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. We will endeavour to establish productive partnerships with appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agencies and Elders. We will also work towards enhancing our appreciation of, and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural events and activities, as a further public display of the Courts’ respect for the First Peoples of Australia and our commitment to reconciliation.
Action
2.1 Ensure a commitment by the Courts to provide ongoing opportunities for judges and staff to participate in cultural learning opportunities at a local level or otherwise make appropriate information available to increase understanding respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1.1 Provide opportunities for Court staff to participate in cultural awareness training provided by culturally appropriate service providers. | June 2025 and June 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
| 2.1.2 Investigate regionally specific cultural training or immersion opportunities for staff to maintain a culture of continued education and development in this space. | June 2025 and June 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
| 2.1.3 Continue to develop and implement a cultural awareness training program for the Courts inclusive on any online modules and encourage all staff to complete. The program should define the cultural learning needs of employees in all areas of our work and consider various ways cultural learning can be provided (online, face-to-face workshops or cultural immersion). | June 2025 and June 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
| 2.1.4 Invite local Traditional Owners and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants to inform our cultural learning strategy and engage staff in cultural awareness training. | October 2025 and October 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 2.1.5 Continue to encourage the education of all Family Report writers (including external) to undertake cultural awareness training. | June 2025 and June 2026 |
Lead: Executive Director – Court Children’s Service Support: Assistant Director IOPS |
| 2.1.6 Develop a business case for increasing understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights within our organisation. | September 2025 and September 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS supported by Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
| 2.1.7 Conduct a review of cultural learning needs within our organisation. | September 2025 and September 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
| 2.1.8 Approach Legal Aid regarding ongoing cultural awareness training for Independent Children’s Lawyers. | August 2025 and August 2026 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
Action
2.2 Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples by observing cultural protocols.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1.1 Identify and record the Traditional Owners of the land and waters where each registry is located. | November 2025 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: Assistant Director IOPS |
| 2.2.2 Develop protocol/policy documents that explain the significance of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country and guide the Courts’ Judges and staff on how to conduct Acknowledgments. | October 2025 and October 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
| 2.2.3 IFLOs to develop and circulate local lists of key contacts for organising a Welcome to Country and maintaining respectful partnerships and key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers that may assist with the Courts’ core business. | October 2025 and October 2026 |
Lead: Assistant Director IOPS Support: IFLOs |
| 2.2.4 Continue to invite a Traditional Owner to provide a Welcome to Country to major Court events, where appropriate, such as the Courts’ annual Judge or Registrar plenary. | May, August, November 2025 and February May, August and November 2026, February, May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 2.2.5 Promote the option of an Acknowledgment of Country at the commencement of significant external and internal meetings. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 2.2.6 Each Specialist Indigenous List will commence with an Acknowledgement of Country. | June 2025 |
Lead: Access to Justice Committee Support: Director of IOPS |
| 2.2.7 Conduct an Acknowledgment of Country at all significant Court events, including ceremonial sittings for Judges. |
November 2025 (ceremonial sittings and swearing in ceremonies conducted infrequently throughout the year) |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director of IOPS and Access to Justice Committee |
| 2.2.8 Encourage Judges and staff to give an Acknowledgement of Country when speaking on behalf of the Courts during conferences and external presentations. | June 2025 |
Lead: Access to Justice Committee Support: Director of IOPS |
| 2.2.9 Continue to include in the Courts’ email templates, an Acknowledgement of Country, for all Judges and staff. | October 2025 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director of IOPS |
| 2.2.10 Investigate displaying Acknowledgment of Country plaques in all courtrooms and registries. | November 2025 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director – Property Operations supported by Legal and Policy Advisors to the Chief Justice |
| 2.2.11 Develop a dedicated intranet space to house Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural information, cultural events, RAP, policies and Acknowledgement of Country information. | January 2026 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: Communication Officers |
Action
2.3 Celebrate NAIDOC Week.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3.1 Continue to provide opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to participate in NAIDOC Week events. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 2.3.2 Review HR policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 2.3.3 Design and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community focused brochures and educational material for use at NAIDOC Week and other celebrations. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: National IFLO (Stakeholder Engagement) |
| 2.3.4 Ensure appropriate NAIDOC Week resources are acquired from the NAIDOC organisation for distribution to all registries. | June 2025 and June 2026 |
Lead: National Indigenous Family Liaison Officer (RAP) Support: Assistant Director IOPS |
| 2.3.5 Consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to hold an internal or external NAIDOC Week event. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: IFLOs |
| 2.3.6 Provide reasonable opportunities for staff to attend a NAIDOC Week event. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
|
2.3.7 Develop a NAIDOC Week communications plan to promote the week across all channels by:
|
July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 2.3.8 Ensure the First Nations Access to Justice/ RAP Working Group supports and participates in a minimum of two external NAIDOC events. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Access to Justice Committee/RAP working group |
| 2.3.9 Register appropriate NAIDOC events on Reconciliation Australia’s NAIDOC website and promote the link to provide information around local events to encourage staff engagement in NAIDOC activities. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: National IFLO (RAP) Support: Assistant Director IOPS |
| 2.3.10 IFLOs to have active participation and engagement in an external NAIDOC week event and/or partnering with the appropriate community-controlled sector with the objective of promoting the role to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: Assistant Director IOPS Support: IFLOs |
| 2.3.11 Develop a communication plan to promote and encourage all FCFCOA staff to participate in external and/or internal events to recognise and celebrate NAIDOC and other significant dates on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar, where possible, and to enable ongoing awareness and engagement. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: National IFLO (Stakeholder Engagement) |
| 2.3.12 Invite key local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, judicial and legal representatives including representatives from other Courts and community groups to the NAIDOC events to continue to maintain relationships and ongoing engagement. | July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: Access to Justice Committee Support: Director IOPS |
Action
2.4 Embrace, acknowledge and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4.1 Promote the Courts’ engagement in significant cultural events within the broader community via relevant First Nations publications, the Courts’ intranet and other Court news channels. | May, July and August 2025, May, July and August 2026, and May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: RAP Working Group |
| 2.4.2 Liaise with the Federal Court Entity in relation to Court buildings and infrastructure, to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork, plaques, language group maps and other important items are visible and accessible in Court registries and buildings including maintaining a record of First Nations artwork displayed around the FCFCOA locations where appropriate. | December 2025 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Property Operations) |
Action
2.5 Increase the cultural safety of the working environment and processes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples attending and working for the Courts.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5.1 Provide opportunities for Court staff to participate in cultural safety training in consultation with managers. | June 2025 and June 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
| 2.5.2 Encourage Judges, Registrars and Court Child Services to acquire and display an Acknowledgment of Country plaque (after consultation with IFLOs) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and other appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander items in courtrooms, interview spaces and foyers. | November 2025 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS supported by Legal and Policy Advisors to the Chief Justice |
| 2.5.3 Conduct an Acknowledgment of Country at the commencement of a Specialist Indigenous List or a Special Indigenous List circuit. | May, August, November 2025, February. May, August, November 2026, and February and May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Access to Justice Committee |
| 2.5.4 The Courts and HR to provide guidance and training to managers about leave requests for cultural or ceremonial purposes, or for the preparation or participation in NAIDOC related activities. | May 2025, May 2026, May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Legal and Integrity) |
| 2.5.5 Investigate the opportunity to develop, implement and promote a Mentoring Program where non-Indigenous and Indigenous senior Court staff can opt-in to provide professional development and cultural mentorship to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff who would like to participate. | September 2025 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: Access to Justice Committee |
| 2.5.6 Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff have information about where to go for issues relating to cultural safety in the workplace and are aware of support networks and channels for resolving/reporting concerns. | January 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Legal and Integrity) and Director IOPS |
| 2.5.7 Ensure, where appropriate, that all direct line managers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff have completed cultural awareness training. | June 2025 and June 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion) |
|
2.5.8 Continue to increase visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait artwork and presence within the Court environment for the benefit of staff and people accessing the Courts by way of:
|
September 2025 and September 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Property Operations) supported by RAP working group |
Action
2.6 Continuity of Court services to build on Access to Justice/Specialist Indigenous Lists.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 2.6.1 Develop a policy which provides for the continuation and development of existing case management strategies across the Courts, to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island families, the including Specialist Indigenous List and other Court events. | October 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: CEO Legal – Legal and Policy Officer supported by Legal and Policy advisors to the Chief Justice |
3. Opportunities
The assistance of IFLOs within the Courts presents opportunities for Reconciliation between the Courts and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. These officers provide invaluable assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander litigants throughout Australia and is the single most critical resource in the Court system to ensure improved access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The Courts acknowledge the opportunities to facilitate work experience opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Judge’s Chambers provide a unique opportunity for law students and Judges have the necessary knowledge to mentor law students. Mentoring is a tangible way to assist future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples undertaking law studies to become involved in the legal system. It is hoped that upon their graduation, such students will be in a position to bring about change within their communities and wider Australian society.
The Courts further acknowledge the need to develop strategies and programs which facilitate work experience within the Courts in a formalised manner.
Focus
Develop opportunities for members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to enhance their educational and career prospects, through offering placements and or work experience opportunities for law students and graduates and through establishing traineeships and work experience for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples wishing to work within the Court system or within the Australian Public Service more broadly.
Action
3.1 Investigate opportunities to improve and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes and retention in consultation with corporate services.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1.1 Investigate opportunities to develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and retention strategy for the Courts. | October 2025 and October 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Deputy Principal Registrar and Executive Director – Court Finances and Operations |
| 3.1.2 Continue to explore funding opportunities to expand IFLOs employed at the Courts. | May 2025 and May 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Deputy Principal Registrar and Executive Director – Court Finances and Operations |
| 3.1.3 Continue to advertise identified positions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media and through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned recruitment agencies, where possible. |
February, May, (dependent upon funding of IFLO position) |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 3.1.4 Review policies and procedures to identify what barriers exist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and future applicants participating in our workplace. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 3.1.5 Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to progress their careers within the Courts in respect of both legal and non-legal opportunities. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 3.1.6 Investigate and encourage opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to participate in Australian Public Service programs or apply for professional development programs. | May 2025, May 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: Assistant Director IOPS |
Action
3.2 Engage with the National Indigenous Law Student Associations, Indigenous Law Society and, the local Law and Bar Associations about delivering presentations on career pathways in law.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 3.2.1 Attend and deliver presentations at national and local events relating to Indigenous Law groups and associations, where possible. | September 2025 and September 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: RAP Working Group |
Action
3.3 Encourage and/or consider opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Court staff.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3.1 Explore the opportunity to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students to participate in work experience in the Courts. | September 2025 and September 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Legal and Integrity) |
| 3.3.2 Include exit interviews with mentees, work experience students and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Where appropriate, de-identified information gathered is to be shared with HR, the Access to Justice Committee and other relevant staff to improve the future mentees experience. |
May, August and November 2025, February May, August and November 2026 and May 2027 (dependent upon staff retention) |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director (Legal and Integrity) supported by Director Family Violence and Access, Equity and Inclusion |
| 3.3.3 Continue to connect with local universities and colleges, including NGALAYA Indigenous Corporation, to explore mentoring opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students. | September 2025 and September 2026 |
Lead: Access to Justice Committee Support: Director IOPS |
| 3.3.4 Invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to functions or other meetings with Judges and court staff. | May and July 2025, May and July 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: Access to Justice Committee Support: Director IOPS |
Action
3.4 Continue to explore issues relating to access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers of children.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 3.4.1 Inquire as to feasibility of additional remote circuit locations to conduct court sittings and hold sittings in locations other than court buildings if circumstances suggest that this would improve access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander litigants. | November 2025 and November 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: National Judicial Registrar – Legal, Policy, Projects and Judicial Case Management supported by Legal and Policy Advisors to the Chief Justice |
| 3.4.2 IFLOs to undertake community engagement and connect with local and regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders to promote the role of the IFLO. | May, August and November 2025, February May, August and November 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: Assistant Director IOPS and IFLOs |
| 3.4.3 Continue to expand the Courts’ Specialist Indigenous List involving specialised listing practices where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander litigants are supported by legal, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other support services. | May, August and November 2025, February May, August and November 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS supported by Legal and Policy Advisors to the Chief Justice |
| 3.4.4 Continue to liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and approach organisations (grandmother groups and organisations, Relationships Australia, Anglicare, Catholic Care and organisations dealing with informal family arrangements) to increase the visibility of the Courts and family law legislation in regard to kinship carers seeking parenting orders. | May, August and November 2025, February May, August and November 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: IFLOs |
Action
3.5 Consider which events nationally are appropriate for Court representatives to attend or present at which are targeted at increasing access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander litigants (subject to APS procurement guidelines).
Deliverable |
Timeline |
Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5.1 Ensure that an appropriate number of events that are aimed at increasing access to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander litigants are attended by and presented at by Court representatives. | November 2025 and November 2026 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: RAP Working Group |
| 3.5.2 Support, where possible, Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander owned businesses, particularly those businesses who can cater to specific Court events. | May, July 2025, May, July and November 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Director IOPS |
| 3.5.3 Develop and communicate to staff a list of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses that may be used to procure goods and services, including through Supply Nation. | February 2026 and February 2027 |
Lead: National IFLO (RAP) Support: Director IOPS and Assistant Director IOPS |
Governance, Tracking Progress and Reporting
Action
4.1 Enable and maintain the development and implementation of the RAP.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1.1 Continue to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are represented on the Access to Justice/RAP Working Group to support formal partnerships and shared decision making. | May, July and November 2025, May, July and November 2026 and May 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: RAP Working Group |
| 4.1.2 Support and engage the Indigenous IFLOs to assist with components of the RAP implementation. | August 2026 |
Lead: National IFLO (RAP) Support: Director IOPS and Assistant Director IOPS |
| 4.1.3 RAP Working Group to oversee the development, endorsement, and promotional launch of the RAP. | October 2026 |
Lead: RAP Working Group Support: National IFLO (RAP) and Director IOPS |
| 4.1.4 Access to Justice Committee to meet at least four times a year including in person at each annual plenary of the Court, where possible. | June and September 2025, January, March, June and September 2026 and January and March 2027 |
Lead: Access to Justice Committee Support: Secretariat to the Access to Justice Committee |
| 4.1.5 Establish and apply a Terms of Reference for the RAP Working Group. | January 2027 |
Lead: National IFLO (RAP) Support: Director IOPS and RAP Working Group |
Action
4.2 Maintain the RAP Working Group to provide practical support and drive the governance for the RAP.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2.1 RAP Working Group to meet at least twice a year to support the objectives and deliverables of the RAP. | March and September 2025, March and September 2026 and March 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: RAP Working Group |
Action
4.3 Publicly report achievements, challenges, and learnings to Reconciliation Australia.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 4.3.1 Complete and seek internal approval to submit the RAP Impact Survey to Reconciliation Australia. | August 2026 |
Lead: National IFLO (RAP) Support: Director IOPS |
Action
4.4 Publicly report RAP achievements, challenges, and learnings internally and externally.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
|
4.4.1 Publicly report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings internally through court newsletters or report at annual Court conference. Externally and internally via the FCFCOA website and intranet. |
July 2025 and July 2026 |
Lead: Director IOPS Support: National IFLO (RAP) |
Action
4.5 Review, refresh, and update the Courts’ RAP.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5.1 Following appropriate preliminary internal consultation (including with IFLOs), work with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on achievements, learnings, and challenges of this RAP. | May 2025 |
Lead: RAP Working Group Support: Director IOPS supported by National IFLO (RAP) |
| 4.5.2 Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for review and feedback. | August 2026 |
Lead: National IFLO (RAP) Support: Director IOPS |
| 4.5.3 Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal endorsement. | October 2026 |
Lead: National IFLO (RAP) Support: Director IOPS |
Action
4.6 Improve data collection processes across both the family law and general federal law jurisdictions.
| Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6.1 Investigate and implement improvements to the Courts’ current data collection methods in relation to matters that include Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander litigants across all jurisdictions. | March, June, September 2025, January, March, June and September 2026 and January and March 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Deputy Registrar/Executive Legal and Policy Adviser to the CEO and Principal Registrar |
| 4.6.2 Promote and support internal access to data relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families for IFLOs. | March, June, September 2025, January, March, June and September 2026 and January and March 2027 |
Lead: CEO and Principal Registrar Support: Deputy Registrar/Executive Legal and Policy Adviser to the CEO and Principal Registrar |
