Functions and Structure

In performing its functions, Court Services Victoria serves the Victorian community through the efficient and effective delivery of court and tribunal services, thereby supporting Victoria's system of responsible government and the rule of law.

CSV's functions are to provide, or arrange for the provision of, the administrative services and facilities necessary to support the performance of the judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative functions of the Victorian Courts and VCAT, and to enable the Judicial College of Victoria and the Judicial Commission of Victoria to perform their functions.

All people employed in the administration of the courts, VCAT, the Judicial College and the Judicial Commission, excluding those performing judicial or quasi-judicial functions, are considered staff members of CSV.

The Courts Council appoints the CEO to manage the support services and functions of CSV in accordance with the strategy, plans, procedures and policies of the Court's Council. Ms Louise Anderson is the Chief Executive Officer of CSV.

Courts and Tribunals

All jurisdictions are established by specific legislation, which provides for the composition and scope of their jurisdiction. Each court and tribunal is comprised of its judicial members, has its own internal governance mechanisms, and is responsible for establishing how the judicial business of the court or tribunal is managed in accordance with law. 

Each jurisdiction, through the Head of Jurisdiction, directs the administrative support provided by jurisdiction-based staff, under the management of the Court CEO. The Court CEO manages the staff and administrative services of their jurisdiction, and contributes to the operations of CSV by ensuring that appropriate administrative and support services are provided to their jurisdiction.

The Courts Council on the nomination of the relevant Head of Jurisdiction appoints Court CEOs. Court CEOs are responsible to their Head of Jurisdiction for the operation of their jurisdiction, and to the CSV CEO with respect to all other matters. 

Read more about the courts, VCAT, the College and the Commission on the Jurisdictions and the College page of this website. 

Relationship to Parliament and Executive Government 

Court Services Victoria operates independently of executive government in support of judicial independence.  CSV undertakes its functions independently of departmental or ministerial control, but remains accountable to both the executive and legislative branches of government in the way in which it carries out its operations and achieves its functions.  

The Attorney-General has portfolio responsibility for CSV, however her statutory powers of direction are limited to matters such as the preparation and submission of the budget.

CSV receives a direct appropriation from the Parliament to enable it to carry out its functions, and manages its own budget subject to the Attorney-General's budget approval and adherence to the requirements of the State's financial management framework. CSV is accountable for the expenditure of that appropriation to the Department of Treasury and Finance.