If you have a complaint about a court or tribunal in NSW, you should raise your concerns with the relevant court or tribunal first.
You can do this:
- by phone
- in person, and ask to speak to a manager
- online through their website, or
- by email.
If you make a complaint by phone, you should write down who you spoke to, when you spoke to them and what was said. If you send a letter or email, keep copies for your own records. A copy of your letter may be provided to the person you are complaining about – you should think carefully about the wording of your letter or get legal advice.
For information about how to provide feedback at each court or tribunal in NSW, see the directory below.
- NSW Court or Tribunal
- Federal Court or Tribunal
If you disagree with a decision made by a court or tribunal, you can't complain directly to the court or tribunal. Instead, you should get legal advice about whether you can appeal the decision or apply for a review. Strict time limits apply so you should get advice urgently.
| Court or Tribunal | Who to make a complant to |
|---|---|
| District Court of New South Wales | Judges For more information, see Complaints about judicial officers on the Judicial Commission of New South Wales website. Registrars and registry staff As staff are employed by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, complaints can also be made to the Department. For more information, see Feedback and complaints on the Department of Communities and Justice website. |
| Land and Environment Court (LEC) | Judges / Commissioners / Assessors / Registrars Complaints can be made to the Chief Judge at the LEC. Complaints involving judicial conduct can also be made to the Judicial Commission of NSW. For more information, see Complaints about judicial officers on the Judicial Commission of New South Wales website. Registrars and registry staff Complaints can be made to the Registrar at the LEC. For more information, see Feedback and complaints on the LEC website. As staff are employed by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, complaints can also be made to the Department. For more information, see Feedback and complaints on the Department of Communities and Justice website. |
| Local Court of New South Wales | Magistrates Complaints involving judicial conduct can also be made to the Judicial Commission of NSW. For more information, see Complaints about judicial officers on the Judicial Commission of New South Wales website. Registrars and registry staff Complaints can be made to the Registrar at the relevant Local Court. For more information, see Feedback and complaints on the Local Court website. As staff are employed by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, complaints can also be made to the Department. For more information, see Feedback and complaints on the Department of Communities and Justice website. Assessors As staff are employed by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, complaints can also be made to the Department. For more information, see Feedback and complaints on the Department of Communities and Justice website. |
| NSW Civil or Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) | For information about the complaints process, see Feedback and complaints on the NCAT website. |
| Office of the Sheriff of NSW | Sheriff's Officer Complaints can be made in person at a sheriff centre. Sheriff's centres are based at some NSW Local Courts. For a list of NSW Local Court locations, see Court locations, listing and sitting arrangements on the Local Court website. Complaints can also be made:
If your feedback or complaint relates to jury service, contact the Jury service enquiries. As staff are employed by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, complaints can also be made to the Department. For more information, see Feedback and complaints on the Department of Communities and Justice website. |
| Supreme Court of New South Wales | Judges / Associate Judges Complaints can be made to the Judicial Commission of NSW. For more information, see Complaints about judicial officers on the Judicial Commission of New South Wales website. Registrars and registry staff Complaints can be made to the CEO and Principal Registrar at the Supreme Court. For more information, see Feedback on the Supreme Court of New South Wales website. As staff are employed by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, complaints can also be made to the Department. For more information, see Feedback and complaints on the Department of Communities and Justice website. |
| Workers Compensation Commission (WCC) | Complaints can be made to the Registrar of the WCC. For more information, see Contact us on the WCC website. |
| Court or Tribunal | Who to make a complant to |
|---|---|
Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) | Complaints can be made:
For more information, see Feedback and complaints on the AAT website. |
Fair Work Commission (FWC) | Complaints about staff or administrative service can be made to the Director, Client Services, Fair Work Commission. Complaints about a Member can be made to the President of the Fair Work Commission. For more information, see Complaints & feedback on the FWC website. |
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia | Complaints can be made to the CEO and Principal Registrar. Complaints about judicial conduct can be made to the Chief Justice. For more information, see Complaints policy on the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia website. |
Federal Court of Australia | Complaints can be made to the District Registrar in your state or territory. Complaints about judicial conduct can also be made to the Chief Justice of the Federal Court. For more information, see Feedback & Complaints on the Federal Court of Australia website. |
High Court of Australia | Complaints about Registry staff can be made to the Registry Manager at the relevant office in each state or territory. For more information, see Contact us on the High Court of Australia website. Complaints can also be made to the Chief Justice of the High Court. |
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