The Deputy Chief Justice assists the Chief Justice in the judicial administration of the Family Court. Particular responsibilities include case management, complaints about judges, the collection and strategic assessment of statistics, pastoral care and oversight of the Court’s committees.
When the Chief Justice is absent, the Deputy Chief Justice performs and exercises the powers of the Chief Justice. Currently, the Deputy Chief Justice’s chambers are in the Canberra Registry.
The Honourable John Faulks
Deputy Chief Justice Faulks was appointed as a Family Court Judge on 11 October 1994. He was appointed as Deputy Chief Justice on 25 June 2004.
Prior to his appointment to the Family Court, Deputy Chief Justice Faulks was a senior partner of Phillips Fox, practising extensively in family law. His Honour was chairman of the Family Law Council of Australia from 1992 to 1995; a member of the Council between 1990 and 1992; president of the Law Council of Australia from 1987 to 1988; vice-president from 1986 to 1987; and treasurer from 1984 to 1985. Deputy Chief Justice Faulks was admitted as a barrister of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1969 and holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Australian National University.