The Federal
Court of Australia Act 1976 provides that the Court
consists of a Chief Justice, and such other judges as are
appointed. The Chief Justice is the senior judge of the
Court and is responsible for ensuring the orderly and expeditious
discharge of the business of the Court.
Judges
of the Court are appointed by the Governor-General, by
commission. Judges may not be removed except by the Governor-General
on an address from both Houses of Parliament, in the same
session, praying for the judge's removal on the ground
of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. The requirement
is contained in s 72 of the Commonwealth
of Australia Constitution Act 1901 and Part II of
the Federal Court of Australia Act.
Until 1977 judges were appointed for
life. As a consequence of the constitutional referendum
in that year, all judges appointed after 1977 must retire
at the age of 70.
Judges other than the Chief Justice
may hold more than one judicial office at the one time.
Most judges have other commissions and appointments.
