[no bill text published] Legal immunity for Local Court Judges performing federal magistrate functions
Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (New South Wales Local Court) Bill 2026
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Governor-General can now arrange for Local Court Judges of New South Wales to act as magistrates under the Bankruptcy, Customs, and Extradition Acts.
Local Court Judges of New South Wales get the same legal protections and immunity as their usual court role when issuing customs warrants or orders.
The Bankruptcy Act now includes Local Court Judges of New South Wales in its definition of a magistrate; this applies if a formal arrangement is in place.
The Customs Act now includes Local Court Judges of New South Wales as Division 1B Magistrates; this applies if a formal arrangement is in place.
The Extradition Act now includes Local Court Judges of New South Wales in its definition of a magistrate; this applies if a formal arrangement is in place.
Existing arrangements between the Governor-General and the Governor of New South Wales regarding magistrates continue to apply to Local Court Judges.