The Council of Chief Justices of Australia and New Zealand
The Council of Chief Justices of Australia and New Zealand comprises the Chief Justices of the High Court, the Federal and Family Courts and the Supreme Courts of each of the States and Territories, together with the Chief Justice of New Zealand.
The objects of the Council are:
- To provide a forum within which its members may discuss matters of common concern and exchange information and advice.
- To advance and maintain the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Australia and New Zealand.
- To advance and maintain the principle that Australian Courts together constitute a national judicial system operating within a federal framework.
- To ensure that its members are aware of proposals by and developments within governments and the legal profession relevant to the preceding objects.
Guidelines for Communications & Relationships between the Judicial Branch of Government and the Legislative and Executive Branches
On 23 April 2014, the Council of Chief Justices adopted Guidelines for Communications & Relationships between the Judicial Branch of Government and the Legislative and Executive Branches.
Judicial Council on Cultural Diversity
At its meeting held on 23 October 2013, the Council of Chief Justices agreed to the formation of the Judicial Council on Cultural Diversity (JCCD) to assist courts to recognise, understand and respond to the access to justice needs of culturally diverse Australian communities. The JCCD's website (http://www.jccd.org.au/) contains information and resources intended to help address those needs.
Harmonisation of Rules Committee
Outputs, including proposed Court Rules, of the Council of Chief Justice's Harmonisation of Rules Committee will be published here shortly.
