Annual report [1997-98] - Family Court of Australia

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The Family Court of Australia – annual report 1997 - 98 Functions and powers The Family Court has jurisdiction over all matrimonial causes and associated responsibilities. This includes: ■ proceedings for divorce (dissolution of marriage) nullity, maintenance, division and settlement of property and injunctions ■ children’s matters such as residence, contact and specific issues and including the powers referred by the State in relation to children born outside marriage ■ matters under the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 and the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 ■ some State matters under cross-vesting and corporations legislation ■ some matters under the Bankruptcy Act, Trade Practices Act, Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act and the Income Tax Assessment Act which are transferred from the Federal Court ■ appeals from decisions of its own judges and judges of the Family Court of Western Australia and reviews of decisions of a judicial registrar or registrar ■ provision of a counselling service primarily to separated couples to help them to work out the future arrangements for the children without the need to go to Court ■ the issuing of orders, warrants and writs as prescribed by the Family Law Act ■ enforcing its orders and some orders of other courts ■ punishing contempts of its powers and authority ■ exercising some functions under the Marriage Act 1961. Objective The Court’s objective is to serve its clients and the interests of the Australian community by providing for the just, equitable and timely administration of justice in all matters within its jurisdiction. Its primary emphasis is on achieving outcomes that are in the best interests of the children and on helping people to come to their own agreements without a judicial determination. The Court’s case management process emphasises conciliation through primary dispute resolution services. The Court’s Simplified Procedures program, which has been in place since January 1996, is also aimed at minimising the time, cost and stress involved in family law disputes. During the year under review the Court prepared a Service Charter after consulting widely on its content. The Charter, which is scheduled for printing and distribution in the first quarter of 1998-99, appears as Appendix 5 of this Report. It will be distributed through the Court’s publications mailing list and will be available to the public in all registries and subregistries. Staff members, who also participated in the consultation process, will each 3
The Family Court of Australia – annual report 1997-98 receive a copy together with directions regarding implementation of the Charter. The Charter provides for an annual review and performance against the objectives of the Charter will be monitored. Throughout 1997-98 the Court has also reviewed its Corporate Plan which has been in place since 1990-91. The new Strategic Plan is scheduled for implementation during the coming financial year. Financial and staffing resources summary Table 1.1 Aggregate financial and staffing resources data 1997-98 $(‘000) and actual staff years Budget & AEs(a) Actual Actual (1997-98) (1997-98) (1996-97) Budgetary (cash) basis Components of Appropriation: Running costs (RC) 105,659 100,544 99,951 Other program costs (excluding RC) 902 897 170 Total 106,561 101,441 100,121 Less adjustments - - - Total Outlays 106,561 101,441 100,121 Total Revenue (b) 14,691 15,560 15,270 Accrual basis Net cost of service delivery (c) 96,041 96,011 Other program costs (excl. service delivery) - - Total Costs 96,041 96,011 Program revenues 105,552 111,620 Total (allocated) assets 36,828 25,990 Total (allocated) liabilities 19,105 17,778 Staffing Staff years (actual) 822 783 (a) Budget figure amended to include Additional Estimates (AEs). (b) See Budget Paper 1 for a description of items included in revenue. (c) Includes ‘revenue from independent sources’ as shown in the Operating Statement included in the financial statements. 4
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Annual report [1997-98] - Family Court of Australia

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