Employment

The High Court of Australia is the highest court in the Australian judicial system. It was established in 1901 by section 71 of the Constitution. The functions of the High Court are to:

• interpret and apply the law of Australia
• to decide cases of special federal significance including challenges to the constitutional validity of laws
• to hear appeals, by special leave, from Federal, State and Territory courts.

Opened in 1980, the High Court building in Canberra was heritage listed in 2007. Structurally, the 40-metre-tall building is essentially one of concrete and glass comprising a number of major functional elements, namely a large public hall, three courtrooms, an administrative wing, and Justices’ chambers.
The High Court has approximately 75 full-time equivalent employees supporting the Chief Justice and Justices, most of whom are located in Canberra.
All employees are engaged under the High Court of Australia Act 1979, and the terms and conditions of employment for non-SES employees are outlined in the High Court of Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024 - 2027.