The Brisbane Family Court Registry came in for plenty of praise at a ceremonial sitting to mark the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s 50th anniversary last Friday.
The sitting, which followed equivalent ceremonies in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, had a range of speakers reflect on the Court’s history since it was created in 1976 by the Family Law Act 1975.
Chief Justice William Astergren said Brisbane, one of the Court’s inaugural registries, was initially based in Adelaide Street, before moving to Tank Street, then its current home in the Harry Gibbs Commonwealth Law Courts building in 1994.
Chief Justice Alstergren said one of the inaugural judges, Justice Graham Bell, went on to serve the Court for 39 years.
He said the registry had been lauded for excellence in client service, for its trial reduction strategies, then its extended contact hours, its co-location of mediation services with community organisations on the Gold Coast, its staff exchanges with agencies serving shared clients, and its introduction of dedicated case flow account managers for practitioners and community organisations.
He said one recent innovation was the introduction of the state’s first court dog, Leo, which had been “remarkable” in changing a child’s experience with court.
“Years ago, they would have remembered it (court), it would have scarred much of their life, and they would have remembered that with great trepidation,” he said.
“Now luckily, most of the time, all those children will remember is that beautiful dog.”
Chief Justice Alstergren said the court acknowledged the work of the registrars, court child experts, indigenous family liaison officers, associates, legal case managers, and administrative staff of the Brisbane Registry.
“Your professionalism, each and every one of you, demonstrates extraordinary skill and commitment to continue the traditions established over the last 50 years,” he said.
“Your work, often behind the scenes, is essential to the administration of justice and to the experience of families who come before this very court.
“I also acknowledge the broader Queensland family law profession whose skill, judgment and commitment have sustained this registry’s work over five decades.”
He said a court could only serve the community well when it was supported by a strong and principled profession.
“Brisbane has been fortunate to have such an extraordinary profession,” he said.
Queensland Law Society President Peter Jolly said a key characteristic of the court was its willingness to evolve in response to emerging risks and community expectations.
“Today, family violence, child safety concerns, mental health issues and substance misuse are recognised as matters that require early identification and careful management within the justice system,” Mr Jolly said.
Mr Jolly said the Society was proud to have helped fund Leo’s arrival.
“This initiative reflects the Court’s continued focus on supporting children and vulnerable litigants, helping to create a calmer and more reassuring environment for those navigating family law proceedings,” he said.
He said since the Society introduced its Family Law Specialist Accreditation program in 1996, the number of accredited family law specialists had grown from an inaugural cohort of 25 to 177 today, including 78 practitioners who had held accreditation for more than 25 years.
Queensland was also home to the largest branch of the Family Law Practitioners Association in Australia, with close to 1000 members, Mr Jolly said.
“Together, these figures reflect the depth of expertise and commitment that has developed around this important jurisdiction,” he said.
Kate Alroe, Queensland Solicitor Representative in the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, said a 50th anniversary was traditionally a golden anniversary, marking endurance, resilience and shared experience.
“Those qualities are reflected in the history of this Court,” Ms Alroe, pictured right, said.
“The Court’s success has always depended upon relationships, between judicial officers, registrars, associates and staff; between the court and the profession; and most importantly, with the families who come through its doors seeking assistance at some of the most challenging periods of their lives.”
Ms Alroe, a Partner at Lander & Rogers in Brisbane, said the Court had stood firm in the face of criticism, and at times, violent opposition to its important work.
“It has continued to adapt, innovate and evolve in the pursuit of the administration of justice,” she said.
She said it had earned a reputation internationally for its response to the complexities of family law disputes, and had served Queensland’s families with distinction.
Read more about the court’s 50th anniversary at the Court’s website.
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