This Practice Direction outlines the principles and responsibilities for using artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI (GenAI) in the Courts. It is intended to promote responsible AI practices that maintain confidence in the Courts.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (the Court) has opened a new purpose-built Migration Hub at the Parramatta Registry, which is a significant achievement towards enhancing access to justice for court users in Western Sydney.
The opening of the Migration Hub in Parramatta will mark the first time that migration Client Service Officers and Cultural Liaison Officers to directly support parties filing migration matters in person in Western Sydney.
Garfield Barwick Commonwealth Law Courts building, 1–3 George Street, Parramatta
Level 1 to file documents
Level 3 to access Cultural Liaison Officers and Judicial Registrar hearings.
New filing and support services are also now available at:
Terrace Tower Group building, 80 William Street, Woolloomooloo
Level 10 to file documents and access to dedicated migration Client Service Officers, Cultural Liaison Officers and Judicial Registrar hearings.
Access to justice is central to the Court’s work. The Court is committed to supporting people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, including those who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged, or face barriers when engaging with court processes.
At the Migration Hub, court users can receive support from Cultural Liaison Officers and migration Client Service Officers. These staff can provide practical, in-person assistance throughout the court process to help court users to:
Cultural Liaison Officers and migration Client Service Officers cannot provide legal advice.
The Migration Hub in Parramatta, Western Sydney provides:
Existing services, listings and operations in these locations will continue as normal, and filing via eLodgment remains the most common way court users file material.
Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2), the Honourable William Alstergren AO, said the opening of the Migration Hub is an important step for the Court and for communities in Western Sydney.
“Importantly, people in Western Sydney involved in migration proceedings can now attend court services in person, close to where they live and work.
The new Hub brings key services directly into the community. This investment reflects the Court’s ongoing commitment to improving access to justice and reducing barriers to participation in the legal system”.
The new facilities were delivered as part of the Commonwealth Government’s 2024–25 Budget. This investment supports the Court’s focus on accessible, user-focused services.
It also forms part of a broader program of improvements, including new migration facilities in Melbourne scheduled to commence operations in mid-2026.
For further information, see: migration overview.
The Research Project Application Form must be submitted to Courts' Research and Ethics Committee for their consideration of a research project involving the Courts.
This protocol outlines the process by which applications for research projects involving the Courts are received, assessed and approved. It ensures transparency, consistency and integrity in the Courts’ engagement with external researchers.
This Policy sets out information in relation to professional court attire and robing of barristers and solicitor advocates who appear before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (Courts).
This form is used to apply to the Court for a review of the exercise of a power by a Registrar in proceedings other than appeal proceedings. Use a Form B3A – Application for Review in bankruptcy proceedings.
This Practice Direction applies to all proceedings commenced on or after 1 December 2025 in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (the Courts). This Practice Direction also applies to any proceedings commenced prior to this date unless unfair or impractical do to so.
This form is used by the respondent/s named in: An appeal from the Administrative Review Tribunal transferred to the Court from the Federal Court (see Part 27 of the Rules); or An appeal from a decision of the Commissioner (see Part 30 of the Rules).
Last updated: 1 September 2025
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2025 (New GFL Rules) were made by the Court, and commenced on 1 September 2025.
The New GFL Rules were approved by a majority of Judges and replaced the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2021 (GFL Rules 2021).
To assist the public and the profession to become familiar with the New GFL Rules, they were registered early on the Federal Register of Legislation: Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (General Federal Law) Rules 2025.
There were also amendments to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) (Bankruptcy) Rules 2021 (Bankruptcy Rules) to update references to the New GFL Rules and updates to Schedule 1.
27 August 2025 - General federal law and migration practice directions and forms updates
11 August 2025 - New General Federal Law Rules made and registered, commencing 1 September 2025
Federal Register of Legislation – www.legislation.gov.au
The new legislation is available on the Federal Register of Legislation:
The accompanying explanatory materials for these amendments are available:
This guide addresses how to appropriately communicate with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2), including chambers staff, Court Children's Services, and registry and other Court staff.
The Courts acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders, past, present and emerging.
