The High Court Amendment (Fees) Rules 2026 were registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 11 February 2026 and commenced on 1 March 2026.
They amend Schedule 2 (Fees for work done and services performed) to the High Court Rules 2004 to give effect to the recommendation by the Joint Costs Advisory Committee in its 18th Report that court scales across the federal Courts and the High Court be increased by 2.9 per cent.
They will apply in respect of all work done and services performed by solicitors on or after 1 March 2026.
The Joint Costs Advisory Committee (JCAC) was established in 2007 to review annually and recommend variations in the quantum of costs contained in the Rules made by the High Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia, the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.
In conducting its reviews, the JCAC applies a formula which has regard to movements in wages and salaries and other costs of solicitors’ practices.
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