The Master's Chambers is staffed by the Master, Mr Terence Coulehan, and his executive assistant. The Master is a member of the Court, required to perform such duties as are assigned by a law in force in the Territory, the Rules or an order of the Court. The Master may also exercise the powers of, and perform the duties of, the Registrar or other officers of the Court.

Under the Supreme Court Rules the Masters powers and duties include:

• case management (including settlement conferences)

• interlocutory applications

• assessments of damages

• accounts and enquiries

• taxations of costs

• applications under various acts including the Service and Execution of Process Act, the Real Property Act, the Partnership Act and the De Facto Relationship Act.

• the trial of a proceeding if the parties consent

• the trial of an action for personal injuries

• applications for the extension of a limitation period and for possession of land.

The Master does not have authority to hear or determine a matter relating to criminal proceedings or the liberty of the subject.

The Master also deals with applications under the Corporations Law and the Aged and Infirmed Persons Property Act, makes directions under the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Act, and is Registrar under the Admiralty Act and rules.

Under the Legal Practitioners Act the Master presides at meetings of the Admissions Board, administers the trust account provisions, is Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Trust Committee and the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Committee, and taxes costs as between solicitor and client.

To view previous Masters of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, please click the link below:

• [Masters of the Supreme Court of the N.T.]

Top