ADDITIONAL COMMENTS BY COALITION SENATORS

1.1        Coalition senators believe that this legislation has been introduced without regard to the requirements expressed by both the Chief Justice of the Family Court and the Chief Federal Magistrate in a letter to the Attorney-General's Department of 18 October 2012, specifically, that it will be necessary – despite the administrative merger of the Courts to be effected by this Bill – for the establishment of separate principal registrar positions responsible for judicial administration.

1.2        The Government apparently acknowledges the need for these positions and has indicated at Senate Estimates that it plans to give effect to the heads of jurisdictions' proposals. Given that the need for amendments has been acknowledged, it would be timely, and a much more efficient use of the Parliament's time to introduce them when the Bill comes before the Senate.

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