HIGH COURT AMENDMENT RULES 2006 (NO. 2)

Select Legislative Instrument 2006 No. 218

 

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

 

          The High Court Rules Amendment Rules 2006 (No 2) amend the High Court Rules 2004.  The High Court Rules 2004, which commenced on 1 January 2005, were the first complete revision of the High Court Rules in over 50 years.  It was always intended to review the operation of these Rules after a period of time of operation.

 

          The purpose of the present amendments is to overcome some minor anomalies and inconsistencies identified in practice in the first 18 months of operation of the High Court Rules 2004.

 

          The amendments are intended to improve the procedures of the Court by removing any doubts about the intended operation of the High Court Rules 2004.  In particular some amendments are made to remove some minor anomalies and inconsistencies observed in relation to the new procedures provided by the High Court Rules 2004 for matters issued in the original jurisdiction of the Court and for the assessments of costs and taxation of bills of costs.

 

          Because the amendments are of a minor or machinery nature, and do not substantially alter existing arrangements, it has not been thought necessary to again consult the professional bodies and office-holders who were consulted before the High Court Rules 2004 were made.