The Principal Registrar provides high level legal and procedural advice to support the judicial functioning of the Family Court. As a senior lawyer, she discharges the statutory duties assigned to that position by the Family Law Act 1975, works closely with the Chief Justice and judges in administering the Act and related legislation, and identifies areas in need of reform.
The Principal Registrar presides in Court and holds the delegated power to make orders in interim parenting cases, maintenance cases and some enforcement of financial obligations.
The Principal Registrar also oversees the performance of, and provides direction to, the Court’s registrars. The Principal Registrar’s chambers are in the Brisbane Registry.
Angela Filippello
Having primarily practised in family law, Ms Filippello joined the Court as a Registrar in 1988 and was senior legal associate to former Chief Justice Alastair Nicholson from 1989–1991. She was appointed Principal Registrar of the Family Court of Australia in 1996.
Ms Filippello has served and continues to serve on a wide range of Court and inter-court committees and is an observer on the Family Law Council. She has contributed to a number of Court initiatives including the Simplification of Procedures Program, the introduction of Case Assessment Conferences, the restructure of the role of senior registrars, the Family Violence Strategy, the Magellan case management system for cases involving allegations of sexual abuse or serious physical abuse of a child, the Children’s Cases Program and the revision of the case management pathway.
Ms Filippello holds a combined Bachelor of Commerce and Laws degree from the University of Queensland.