Who and what can I complain about?

The Commission deals with complaints about the behaviour or capacity of:

• a Judge or Associate Judge of the Northern Territory Supreme Court;
• a Judge of the Northern Territory Local Court (including, a Local Court Judge in the Youth Justice Court or in the Coroner’s Court);
• the President, a Deputy President or an ordinary member of NTCAT.

The Judicial Commission can deal with complaints about the behaviour or capacity of Northern Territory Judges and members of NTCAT. Some examples are:

• unreasonable delay in handing down a judgment
• inappropriate comments or questions in court
• health issues that may affect ability to perform official functions
• bullying or sexual harassment

The Judicial Commission can only deal with complaints within the jurisdiction of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption if ICAC consents or refers the matter.

The Judicial Commission cannot:

• change a decision made by a judicial officer or member of NTCAT
• accept a complaint about court or NTCAT staff, judges from other Australian jurisdictions, lawyers, or police
• accept a complaint about a judicial officer or member of NTCAT who has retired, resigned, or passed away
• deal with general complaints about the justice system