Location
The Federal Court Registry in the Australian Capital Territory is located on the ground floor of the southern wing of the Nigel Bowen Commonwealth Law Courts building at the corner of Childers Street and University Avenue, Canberra City. The building is shared with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Courtrooms 1 and 2 are located on the ground floor and courtroom 7 is located on the first floor in the Family Court wing.
Security
For your security and safety, closed circuit television surveillance and perimeter security screening operates in the building. Your bag or personal belongings will be x-rayed (security staff can assist with lifting heavy bags) and you will be asked to walk through a scanner. Refusal to comply may result in you being denied entry to the building. Items considered to be a security risk (including cameras) will be confiscated by staff and a receipt provided. They will be returned to you on departure from the building. Information about prohibited items is displayed in the building's foyer. If you have any concerns about your personal security or medical concerns about the screening process, please talk to one of the security staff.
Hours
The public enquiry counter is open between 9.00am and 4.30pm.
Telephone enquires can be made from 8.30am until 5.00pm, except on weekends and public holidays.
The Court usually sits from 10.15am until 12.45pm and 2.15pm until 4.30pm. However, some Court proceedings may commence earlier so it is a good idea to check the listing details in the Daily Court List.
Urgent matters
Outside business hours (including on weekends and public holidays), inquirers with urgent matters should contact the Security Desk of the Law Courts Building in Sydney on (02) 9230 8025.
The Security Desk will refer any inquirer to the Duty Registrar who will then make arrangements to communicate with a Judge and liaise with the applicant for urgent orders.
Transport and parking
Buses run regularly to the bus terminal in Canberra City centre. It is then just a short walk to the Court. Check Transport Canberra for routes and times.
Located near to the Court are two open-air car parks, a multi-storey car park and metered parking.
Other facilities
- Information
Information on the Court's procedures relating to assisted dispute resolution and witnesses are available on this website. Information on the Court's areas of jurisdiction including bankruptcy, corporations, human rights, and administrative and constitutional law can be found in Guides. - Court forms
Forms are also available on this website or from the Registry. - Database of cases
There is a computer terminal which can be used to access court forms or to search the Court's database of cases. - Court files
You should also approach the enquiry counter if you wish to search a Court file. A fee is payable when searching a Court file and for obtaining copies of any filed documents. - Wheelchair access
Wheelchair access is available to the building. Toilets, including a toilet for people with disabilities, are located on the ground floor. - Phones
A public phone is located in the foyer of the ground floor of the building. - Child care
Court staff cannot provide child care. The StaffingBlocks website offers a database of child care centres, searchable by postcode, suburb or service name. - Cafes
There are a number of cafes and lunch bars in the area. - No smoking
The Australian Government has a no smoking policy and smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the building.
Hearing or speech impairment
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, contact the Court through the National Relay Service (NRS).
Find an NRS call number or link.
Further information on the services is on accesshub.
