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Complaints about courts and tribunals

Information about making a complaint against a court or tribunal.

Introduction

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.

    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.

    NSW court or tribunal

    Court or TribunalWho to make a complaint to
    District Court​ of New South Wales

    Judges

    Complaints involving judicial conduct can also be made to the Judicial Commission of NSW.

    For more information, see Complaints on the Judicial Commission of New South Wales website.

    Registrars and registry staff

    Complaints can be made to the registrar at the relevant location.

    For registrars and staff members in Sydney, complaints can be made to the District Court Registry Manager.

    As staff are employed by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, complaints can also be made to the Department. For more information, see Complaints and feedback 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 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 Complaints and Feedback 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 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 Complaints and Feedback 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 Complaints and Feedback 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, see General information about jury service on the NSW Department of Communities and Justice 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.

    Supreme Court of New South Wales

    Judges / Associate Judges

    Complaints can be made to the Judicial Commission of NSW.

    For more information, see Complaints 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 Complaints and Feedback on the Department of Communities and Justice website.

    Personal Injury Commission (PIC)

    Complaints can be made to PIC. For more information, see Complaints and Policy on the PIC website. 

    Federal cou​rt or ​tribunal

    Court or TribunalWho to make a complaint to
    Administrative Review Tribuna​l (ART)

    Complaints can be made:

    • online using the enquiry form, email or by calling 1800 228 333.
    • to the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar at the relevant location, or
    • to the President of the ART (at the Principal Registry).

    For more information, see Feedback and complaints on the ART 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 Complai​nts & 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.