In August 2009 the Federal Court conducted an access and fairness survey in each of our registries. The survey forms part of the Court’s ongoing commitment to demonstrate accountability and improve the delivery of services throughout the Court.
The core results from the survey are now available and are set out below. Should you have any questions about the survey results please email query@fedcourt.gov.au.
Warwick Soden
Registrar and CEO
National consolidated results in table format
Access survey:
Access statement
Average score out of 5
Finding the court building was easy
4.6
It was easy to find where I needed to go within the court building
4.4
I felt safe in the court building
4.7
There was a comfortable place for me to wait
4.6
The court’s facilities were accessible to me
4.6
The court assisted in overcoming any language barriers
4.0
My court business was completed efficiently and in a timely manner
4.5
Court staff treated me with courtesy and respect
4.7
Court staff were knowledgeable and informative
4.6
Court staff listened to me and paid attention to my needs
4.6
The forms I needed were clear and easy to understand
4.2
The court’s hours of operation made it easy for me to do my business
4.2
The court’s Web site is easy to navigate
4.0
Overall Average Access Score
4.4
Respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement to the above statements on a five point scale from “Strongly Disagree” (1) to “Strongly Agree” (5) with a “Not Applicable” choice also available.
It should be noted that a number of respondents chose the "not applicable" option for various questions. This was most notable in relation to the question about language barriers which was completed by only 22% of respondents.
Fairness Survey:
Fairness statements
Average score out of 5
I understood the orders or decisions of the court and/or the information I received
4.6
The way my matter was handled was fair
4.5
The judge/magistrate/registrar listened to me or my representative before he or she made a decision
4.6
The judge/magistrate/registrar had the necessary information to make a decision about my case
4.5
I was treated the same as everyone else
4.5
As I left the court I understood what I needed to do next about my court case
4.5
Overall Average Fairness Score
4.5
Respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement to the above statements on a five point scale from "Strongly Disagree" (1) to "Strongly Agree" (5) with a "Not Applicable" choice also available.
Court users
The majority (85%) of the people surveyed visit the Court more than once a year
How often come to the Court:
Percentage of responses
First time at court
11%
Once a year
4%
Several times a year
28%
Regularly
57%
Main reasons for visiting the Court:
Percentage of responses
Barrister/solicitor representing a client
26%
To file papers
26%
Attend hearing or trial
11%
Law clerk
9%
Search court records/obtain documents
5%
Get information
4%
Party to a legal matter
3%
Other
16%
Reasons for visiting the Court contained in the 'other' category include appearing as a witness; attending a case management conference or mediation; media representative; and transcript staff.
