Australia has overlapping court systems
The High Court of Australia sits at the top of the Australian judicial system. Federal courts exercise jurisdiction given by Commonwealth law, while each state and territory has its own courts and laws. State and territory courts can also exercise some federal jurisdiction. The court name on a document matters, but the legal subject, legislation, parties and order sought may also affect where a matter belongs.
Federal courts have defined subject areas
The Federal Court hears matters across areas including corporations, bankruptcy, industrial relations, native title, taxation and other federal law. The Federal Circuit and Family Court deals with family law and a range of general federal-law work. Western Australia has a distinct state Family Court arrangement. The High Court hears constitutional matters and final appeals, but access to an appeal is governed by law and is not automatic.
State and territory hierarchies are not identical
Most jurisdictions have a lower court handling high-volume criminal and civil work and a Supreme Court with superior jurisdiction, with intermediate courts present in some places. Specialist courts and tribunals may handle children, coronial, planning, tenancy, employment or administrative matters. Names, monetary limits, appeal routes and regional sitting arrangements vary. Use the official page for the jurisdiction rather than transferring a rule from another state.
Confirm the forum from primary material
Read the seal, heading, registry and case number on any document and follow links only from the official court or tribunal site. Ask the registry about administrative process, but do not expect registry staff to give legal advice. A lawyer can advise on jurisdiction, response, evidence and review rights. Missing a date while investigating the forum can have serious consequences, so raise uncertainty promptly with an official service or qualified adviser.