Court registrar - Susie Faulkner

The Supreme Court of Queensland is the state’s highest court. It hears the most serious criminal cases, including murder and serious drug offences. It also hears civil matters involving amounts of more than $250,000. The Supreme Court includes the Court of Appeal, which hears appeals from the Supreme Court, the District Court and from many of Queensland’s tribunals. The District Court of Queensland is the state’s intermediate court. It hears serious criminal cases involving offences such as armed robbery and rape. Additionally it hears all appeals from decisions made in the Magistrates Courts. The District Court also hears civil matters involving amounts between $50,000 and $250,000.

What are we looking for?

For registry roles, JAG looks for people with:

• the motivation to get the job done
• good negotiation and communication skills, including written and oral skills
• the ability to analyse and interpret rules and legislation and apply sound judgment.

Job opportunities

Join JAG if you want:

• to make a difference
• to contribute to an open and accessible justice system and fair marketplace
• to work for an organisation that values a flexible work/life balance
• statewide opportunities.

What does a typical day involve?

“A typical day involves sending out notices relating to all appeals to the District Court. This includes reminder notices for filing of documentation, intervention notices or advising people when their appeals are set down.”

What is the best part of your job?

“The best part of my job is being able to work in an area I have never worked in before, and knew nothing about prior to this. I love a challenge, and being able to identify processes that could be improved and being able to offer solutions.

I’m very motivated and really appreciate working in an area where I can use my initiative and motivation to achieve a good outcome for all parties concerned.”

What has been your career highlight?

“Being given the chance in my current role to be able to take control of a court process, investigate it further, identify issues with the process, both internal and external, and offer suggestions on how to improve those processes to the benefit of both staff within the courts
and our external clients. It’s very rewarding to be able to use your initiative and motivation and know that it will improve the way things are currently being done.”

What personal attributes do you need?

“You need to have patience to assist people who are self-represented. You also need to be motivated and pro-active in order to ensure that appeals do not disappear before the court for years. ”