High Court of Australia

Role and Functions of the High Court

The Australian Constitution establishes an integrated system of Australian courts. The High Court is located at the apex of that system as the nation’s ultimate court of appeal. The High Court also has original jurisdiction in categories of matters of national significance, including those arising under the Australian Constitution or involving its interpretation and those in which specified remedies are sought against an officer of the Commonwealth.

Announcement

Ceremonial sittings – the late Hon Mary Gaudron KC and the late Hon William Gummow AC

On Tuesday, 1 December 2026 there will be two ceremonial sittings of the High Court of Australia in Canberra.

Media Release

Statement on the Honourable William Montague Charles Gummow AC

MEDIA RELEASE

Statement on the Honourable Mary Gaudron KC

Recent Judgments

Judgments handed down in October 2026

Latest News

Matters listed in the October 2026 Full Court Sittings

List of Cases to be heard in the October 2026 Full Court sittings of the High Court of Australia

Update on Introduction of MFA for DLS

Update on the introduction of MFA for the DLS, including date and methods.

Introduction of Multi Factor Authentication for the Digital Lodgment System

The High Court of Australia will introduce multi‑factor authentication (MFA) for access to the Digital Lodgment System (DLS) Portal.

Justices

There have been 13 Chief Justices and 42 Justices since the Court was established in 1903, including the current members of the Court. Three members of the Court – Sir Isaac Isaacs, Sir Ninian Stephen and Sir William Deane – resigned from the Court to become Governor-General.

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Visiting the High Court

The High Court building is one the most significant buildings in Canberra, attracting a large number of visitors. It is situated within the Parliamentary Zone on Parkes Place Parkes, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. It is located between the National Science and Technology Centre (Questacon) and the National Gallery of Australia.

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Architecture, Art & Heritage of the High Court

The High Court of Australia is the symbolic focus of justice in Australia and has been the setting for memorable landmark legal cases.

The High Court of Australia is included in the National and Commonwealth Heritage Lists for its outstanding heritage value to the nation and for its significant architecture design.

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Click here for After hours registry contact details

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ICT Service Desk Support Officer – HCE Level 6

The ICT Service Desk Support Officer is responsible for the provision of 1st and 2nd level ICT support to High Court Justices and staff and to provide support for the Court’s courtroom technology s

Administration Officer (Registry) – HCE Level 4

The Court is seeking administration professionals to fill multiple positions within the Registry Branch in its Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne offices.