Assistant to Judicial Registrar / National Administrative Assistant

Total remuneration package $91,310– $99,528 per annum, including 15.4% superannuation 

Position Overview

Since inception, the Court has introduced a suite of initiatives and innovations focused on efficiency, accessibility and modernised processes, to respond to the needs of communities and individuals across Australia.

Most recently, the Court has taken on direct management responsibility for Registrars working in the general federal law and migration jurisdictions. A key objective of this change is to reform the Court’s approach to case management and enhance the Court’s capacity to achieve its objective of facilitating the just resolution of disputes according to law and as quickly, inexpensively and efficiently as possible, while improving access to justice. 

To support these changes, the Court is seeking highly capable applicants who are enthusiastic, driven and motivated to perform a key function in support of the Court and Judicial Registrars in this diverse and complex jurisdiction. 

Build your career and make a difference

This role presents successful candidates with the opportunity to grow their administrative and leadership skills whilst supporting Judicial Registrars in a friendly and stimulating environment. You will be joining a collaborative, professional workplace where your organisational skills make a real difference in delivering justice to the Australian community. Successful, high performing applicants will have opportunities for potential leadership roles and career advancement. The opportunity to work in a team environment and to receive mentoring from experienced court representatives with many years of experience are key features of this role.

Assistants to Judicial Registrars / National Administrative Assistants provide critical administrative support to Judicial Registrars and the national leadership group by:

• assisting Registrars in the administrative and organisational planning and case management of general federal law and migration matters, including in the preparation and publication of orders, liaising with Judges’ chambers, litigants and other services;
• assisting with the efficient and effective running of Registrars’ chambers, including through preparing correspondence and reports and managing the schedule of hearings and engagements in the Court databases, and assistance with Registrar case management more broadly;
• using Court applications and associated documentation to accurately enter and maintain information on Court databases, enter and disseminate listing information, and manage Court records and files;
• developing and maintaining relationships with Court users and be responsive to requests from external and internal stakeholders;
• providing administrative support to Registrars working on key national initiatives or specialist lists, including related case management and operational processes; and
• supporting Registrars in Court as a Court Officer and providing general administrative support as necessary.

Formal Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications in administration are desirable, but not mandatory. Prior experience working in a support role or working in a court or legal environment would be advantageous. 

Selection Criteria

The role involves supporting busy registrars and successful applicants will need to have:

1. Highly developed administrative and organisational skills, particularly in a fast-paced working environment. 
2. Strong communication (oral and written) and liaison skills as well as the ability to communicate with people at all levels. 
3. Demonstrated working knowledge or ability to quickly acquire a sound working knowledge of key internal procedures, guidelines, policies and practices used in the Court.
4. Demonstrated ability to work both autonomously and as a member of a geographically dispersed team with limited direction.
5. Resilience and the ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities and participate in collective work practices.
6. Sound IT proficiency, including the use of videoconferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Webex, and the ability to learn and adapt to new systems and technology quickly and effectively.
7. Demonstrated understanding and commitment to the application of the Australian Public Service (APS) values, to abide by the APS Code of Conduct and the ability to comply with the principles of Workplace Diversity and Occupational Health and Safety.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the application form on the Court’s careers portal. 

To be considered you will need to upload a concise expression of interest (2 page / 1000 word maximum) detailing how your experience and skills relate to the position description and selection criteria, and attach a current resume.  Please ensure this document is attached before submitting your application.

If you have any issues with applying, please email ***********@fedcourt.gov.au

Eligibility

Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following: 

1. Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
2. Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment.
3. Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired. 

Diversity and Inclusion

Federal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability. 

First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.

Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment

Candidates may use AI tools to assist with their participation in this recruitment process unless otherwise advised. Where AI tools are used, candidates are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is transparent, accurate, and genuinely reflects their own skills, capabilities, and experience.

For more information, see: Principles for candidate use of AI in Recruitment 

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (FCFCOA Act), which came into effect on 1 September 2021, merged the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia into a unified court system known as the FCFCOA. The FCFCOA (Division 1) is a superior court that handles the most complex family law cases and serves as the appellate court for family law matters. It operates nationwide, except in Western Australia. The FCFCOA (Division 2), a federal court, shares jurisdiction over family law and child support with Division 1, but also handles general federal law matters, such as administrative law, bankruptcy, intellectual property, and migration law. The Federal Court of Australia entity engages employees under the Public Service Act 1999 to support the Federal Court, the FCFCOA (Divisions 1 and 2), and the National Native Title Tribunal. Established by the 2016 Courts Administration Legislation Amendment Act, each court retains its own identity and judicial independence. FCFCOA employees are covered by the Federal Court Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027.