high court australia visit

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High Court of Australia

The High Court of Australia decides important questions of law for the nation.

See the Court in action

The High Court of Australia is the highest court in the Australian judicial system, and is situated in the National Triangle at Parkes Place, beside Lake Burley Griffin.

During sitting weeks Students may view barristers presenting their arguments before the Justices and observe Court etiquette as they watch a case unfold.

Sitting dates are posted at hcourt.gov.au/registry/court-calendars

Building tours

Tours of the building bring to life the powerful history and contemporary function of the High Court in upholding Australia’s democracy. Students will gain an understanding of why our democracy relies on the separation of powers and what is meant by the ‘rule of law’.

Tours take Students into courtrooms where the High Court interprets and applies the law of Australia and where cases of national significance are heard, including challenges to the constitutional validity of laws.

In the Australian Constitutional Centre, students discover the importance and relevance of the Australian Constitution.

The Centre, created in collaboration with the Constitutional Education Fund of Australia, celebrates the Constitution as the ‘heartbeat of our country’, uniting us all, underpinning justice, and building our nation.

All groups enter the Court via the ceremonial ramp from King Edward Terrace.

Parking is at the National Portrait Gallery set down area off King Edward Terrace.

Students are advised to leave bags and personal items on coaches, to assist efficient movement through the Court’s security screening.

Students may take photographs inside the building, except in sitting courtrooms

To book a 60-minute tour go to bookcanberraexcursions.com.au

Online Resources  

Civics and citizenship resources available for primary and secondary students.     

High Court Education Resources

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The highest court within the land

The High Court of Australia is located on the southern shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin. This imposing building was designed by the winner of a competition which received 158 different design entries. Construction began in 1975 with the first sitting taking place in June 1980. The High Court is one of Australia's national buildings and is one of Canberra's most visited tourist attractions. Situated within the Parliamentary triangle, the 40-metre tall building houses a public hall, three courtrooms, and the justice's chambers.

The large public hall with its 24-metre high ceiling and luxurious imported Italian marble floor is the lead off to the courtrooms. The hall itself is home to occasional musical concerts and cultural exhibitions. Photographic portraits are on show in the great hall and include all Chief justices and Justices of the High Court since inception. It also houses a display case holding historical items reflecting the history and the operation of the court.

Courtroom number one is the focal point in the High court of Australia and this is used for ceremonial occasions and is where the full bench of seven Justices of the Court sit. The courtroom has an outstanding acoustic system, which comprises a sophisticated sound reinforcement system. Court Room number 1 is where the 4.3 metre long woven banner tapestry is hung on display.

In Canberra the High Court normally sits for 2 weeks per month, except during law vacation periods. Higb Court sittings are generally from Tuesday to Friday in the first week of a month, and from Tuesday to Thursday during the second week of the month. Sitting hours are generally from 10-15 am to 12-45 pm and 2-15 pm to 4-15 pm. Members of the public are permitted to view High Court sittings.

Venue Information

• Open Mon - Fri 9:45 - 4:30
• Open Sun 12:00 - 4:00
• Wheel Chair Access
• Public transport close by
• Entry is free
• Cafeteria currently closed

Picture Gallery

High court location, how to get to the high court.

Canberra's High Court is sandwiched between the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin and King Edward Terrace. The High Court is easily accessible via Canberra's Action Bus Network. Visitors using Action's bus network will need to catch route number 2 and 3 on weekdays, or 934 and 935 on weekends. Car parking is also available nearby at the National Gallery of Australia car park. Plenty of Canberra visitors also include a short visit to the High Court as part of a walk around Lake Burley Griffin.

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Canberra Attractions

• Australian War Memorial
• Parliament House
• Old Parliament House
• National Gallery
• National Library
• National Portrait Gallery
• National Museum
• Commonwealth Park
• National Film & Sound Archives
• National Botanic Gardens
• First subpage
• Second subpage

Things To Do

• Tidbinbilla Space Tracking Station
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
• Mount Ainslie Walk
• Lake Burley Griffin Walk
• Embassy Area
• Old Canberra Bus Depot Market
• Cycling Around Canberra

Useful links

• Canberra Times
• Crikey Political Opinions

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High Court of Australia

The glass-and-concrete High Court building sits on the plaza between the capital's two main art galleries, and, not to be outdone, is home to a large collection of art of its own (pick up a handout inside). It's definitely worth a peep. There's also a small display on the history of the Australian judicial system, and visitors are welcome to view court proceedings when in session.

The High Court sits for two weeks of every month except January and July, with the usual sitting hours from 10.15am to 12.45pm and 2.15pm to 4.15pm daily. Check the schedule online before your visit.

Parkes Pl. Parkes

Get In Touch

https://​www​.hcourt​.gov​.au​/

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High Court Of Australia Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews

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High Court Of Australia

• Address: Parkes Place, Canberra, 2600, Australia Map
• Timings: 09:45 am - 04:30 pm Details
• Phone: +02-62706811
• Time Required: 01:00 Hrs
• Tags: Landmark, Historical Site, Family And Kids , Architecture , Court

Situated in an impressive building, the High Court of Australia is a must visit for people who are interested in understanding the Law and Justice system in Australia. The 24 m high ceiling gives the feeling of being in a larger than life, statuesque building. One can visit the court's three courtrooms and see the impressive artworks depicting the development of the Australian nation and its constitution. The High Court-National Gallery precinct is on the National Heritage List for the outstanding design of its late twentieth century civic buildings, and cohesive landscape setting.

High Court Of Australia Travel Tips

• Please check the Court calendar before planning your visit. If the Court is sitting, you are welcome to watch proceedings.
• A Court Guide is available in each courtroom to provide information about the history, role and function of the High Court and its architecture.

How to Reach High Court Of Australia

• The building is accessible by ACTION buses (routes 2 or 3 weekdays and 934 or 935 on weekends) and is also close to the lakeside cycle path.
• The Chambers Cafe
• Water’s Edge
• Column Restaurant at the National Press Club

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Canberra before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Canberra and book an accommodation of your choice.

• High Court Of Australia Address: Parkes Place, Canberra, 2600, Australia
• High Court Of Australia Contact Number: +02-62706811
• High Court Of Australia Timing: 09:45 am - 04:30 pm
• Time required to visit High Court Of Australia: 01:00 Hrs
• Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary!

35.03% of people who visit Canberra include High Court Of Australia in their plan

• 12 PM - 1 PM

43.97% of people start their High Court Of Australia visit around 12 PM - 1 PM

People usually take around 1 Hr to see High Court Of Australia

59.71% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting High Court Of Australia

People normally club together Museum Of Australian Democracy and National Portrait Gallery while planning their visit to High Court Of Australia.

High Court Of Australia Reviews & Ratings

Attractions Nearby

• Australian War Memorial
• National Gallery Of Australia
• National Portrait Gallery
• Lake Burley Griffin
• National Museum Of Australia
• Mount Ainslie Lookout
• Cockington Green Gardens
• Tumut Airport
• Canberra Reptile Zoo
• Four Winds Vineyard
• Kaffeine 2582
• Canberra Walk In Aviary
• Dionysus Winery
• Canberra Itinerary for 2 days
• Canberra Itinerary for 3 days
• Canberra Itinerary for 5 days

High Court of Australia

The High Court of Australia is the highest court in the Australian judicial system.

Visitors to the Court can view the courtrooms where the Court interprets and applies the law of Australia and hears cases of special significance, including challenges to the constitutional validity of laws.

During sitting weeks, subject to available seating, visitors can observe the oral argument and see barristers present their case before the Justices.

The Court also has the Australian Constitution Centre designed to engage visitors with the history, meaning and relevance of the Australian Constitution.

Court Guides staff the public areas to explain the powerful history and contemporary function of the Court in Australia's democracy.

The stunning building by Lake Burley Griffin in the Parliamentary Zone also has a collection of artwork depicting the role and relevance of the Australian judiciary.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

“enjoyable family visit to the high court”.

We were fascinated during our visit to the High Court - including our teenagers! On arrival, we met a staff member who was available in the foyer to provide information about the Court if we wanted...

“Impressive court building”

An impressive building on the foreshore of the lake. Even though no courts sitting 2 were open to view and hear some interesting facts from court guides. Also a small exhibition on the constitution

“Law in action”

Friends in Canberra told me to go visit. Court was in session with full bench in Court 1 and I was able to go in and watch it in action. Especially interesting that the judges were all over the law...

• Coach Parking
• Non Smoking
• Parents Room
• Picnic Area
• Public Toilet

Accessibility

THE ROLE OF THE HIGH COURT

” The High Court has been engaged in identifying and declaring the limits of legislative and executive power since its inception. This is generally accepted to be part of its constitutional role. Chief Justice Susan Kiefel

The High Court of Australia is the highest court in the Australian judicial system. It interprets and applies the law of Australia, decides on the constitutionality of laws and hears appeals.

Laws made by the nine Parliaments (State, Territory and Federal) in Australia must be made with proper constitutional authority. It is the High Court that ultimately decides whether legislation meets this requirement. As well as examining the words in the Constitution, the Justices consider history, previous decisions and principles of law.

If you are affected by a law that you believe is unconstitutional you can ask the High Court to decide whether the legislation is invalid or not. If the High Court finds a law to be invalid it means the legislation is unconstitutional.

​The High Court also has the power to hear appeals from Federal, State and Territory Courts.

Chief Justice Susan Kiefel. Source: High Court of Australia

Joshua Lawson

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Telephone: 1800 009 855 Exhibition Address: High Court of Australia, Canberra  email: [email protected]

• What is the Australian Constitution
• The Writers of the Australian Constitution
• Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act
• Where did the Australian system of government come from
• The rule of law
• Separation of powers
• The High Court
• All Resources
• Introduction to the education program
• Lesson Plans
• Links to other relevant organisations

• Accessibility

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Home → Inquest Findings → Inquest Findings 2024 →Excell, Robert Allan

Inquest into the Death of Robert Allan EXELL

Delivered on :  August 2024

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Deputy State Coroner Linton

Recommendations : N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : Robert Allan Exell died on 30 June 2022 at Bethesda Hospital. Mr Exell was a serving prisoner at the time of his death, so an inquest into his death was mandatory.

Mr Exell had been sentenced to a lengthy term of imprisonment in 2021 in relation to a violent assault against a former friend that occurred while he was intoxicated. The sentence was backdated to 23 June 2019, when he was first taken into custody. His earliest eligibility date for release on parole was 22 December 2024, but he died well before that date. Mr Exell had initially spent time on remand at Hakea Prison before being moved to Casuarina Prison, where he served the remainder of his sentence before being hospitalised at Bethesda Hospital immediately prior to his death.

Mr Exell had previously spent periods of time in custody, so when he was admitted to prison in mid-2019 there were already some medical records available. It was noted that he had a history of alcoholism and hepatitis C and had previously been diagnosed with a heart condition and cirrhosis of the liver. His hepatitis C had been successfully treated a few years before, and Mr Exell declined further voluntary testing for hepatitis C on his admission. He had previously been on a number of medications while in prison, but he indicated that he had only been taking a GTN spray for his angina recently.

A prison medical officer noted that Mr Exell required cirrhosis surveillance. Blood tests soon after showed possible diagnosis and abnormal liver function, but nothing was done in relation to these issues for some time. It was unclear why he was lost to medical follow-up, but on 8 June 2020, a prison medical officer did a routine audit and realised that Mr Exell’s comprehensive review for his cirrhosis had not occurred. He was transferred shortly after from Hakea to Casuarina Prison. Mr Exell then underwent blood tests on 8 July 2020, which showed results consistent with diabetes and cirrhosis. As his diabetes had previously been undiagnosed and his blood sugar results were at dangerous levels, this appears to have been the initial priority focus of treatment. However, when he was eventually seen by another doctor in November 2020, it became apparent that his liver testing was still overdue, so he was referred to the Fiona Stanley Hospital liver clinic and arrangements were made for a liver ultrasound.

On 21 December 2020, the liver ultrasound confirmed Mr Exell’s cirrhosis and further blood tests revealed he was once again positive for hepatitis C infection. He began treatment for the same.

In April 2021, Mr Exell’s liver specialists referred him for an urgent MRI of his liver, which showed two lesions that were suspicious but not positive for liver cancer. In August 2021, Mr Exell was diagnosed with oesophageal varices related to his history of alcoholism. He was encouraged to stop smoking, as this was making his varices worse, but he chose to keep smoking rather than using Champix. Mr Exell’s liver continued to be monitored. He was moved to Greenough Regional Prison in December 2021 so he could be closer to family.

On 7 April 2022, Mr Exell had an MRI on his liver in Geraldton. The radiologist found no convincing evidence of liver cancer.

A week later Mr Exell’s health deteriorated. He was transferred to Geraldton Hospital and decompensated with liver failure. He was transferred by RFDS to FSH where he was diagnosed with significant gastrointestinal bleeding and underwent banding of his oesophageal varices. He was then placed in the Infirmary at Casuarina Prison so he could be monitored more closely.

On 19 April 2022, the FSH treating team reviewed Mr Exell’s MRI taken in Geraldton and concluded it showed multifocal liver cancer. Due to his recent gastrointestinal bleeding and his overall liver and general health status, it was concluded that he was not suitable for active treatment. It was recommended he commence palliative care and he was given some counselling in this regard.

Mr Exell’s health deteriorated on 11 June 2022 and he was transferred to FSH by ambulance. He showed signs of further gastrointestinal bleeding but further treatment of his oesophageal varices was considered futile. He was transferred back to Casuarina Prison and referred to the Bethesda Hospital palliative care service. His health continued to deteriorate and a ‘Not for Resuscitation’ order ws put in place. Mr Exell had fourteen children and he had sons in custody at this time at the same prison, so they were able to visit him and were kept informed of his deteriorating health.

Mr Exell was eventually transferred to Bethesda Hospital on 27 June 2022 for end of life care and he was kept comfortable until he died in the early hours of 30 June 2022.

A limited post mortem examination found the cause of death was complications of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in a man with multiple comorbidities with terminal palliative care.

The Department of Justice’s internal medical review noted there were some gaps in Mr Exell’s medical care, but suggested that due to the fact Mr Exell’s cirrhosis was in evidence from as early as 2012, earlier treatment may at best have delayed Mr Exell’s death, rather than prevented it.

The Deputy State Coroner was satisfied Mr Exell received a high standard of treatment, supervision and care, commensurate with what he would have received in the community. While there were some notable gaps in the continuity of his medical care during his last period of incarceration, particularly during his first year back in custody, the delay would not have prevented his death, particularly given his liver cancer did not become apparent for some time after the cirrhosis surveillance commenced.. Once his hepatitis C reinfection and liver cancer were diagnosed, along with his diabetes, he was provided with medical treatment to a high standard. Mr Exell ultimately died as a result of the progression of his pre-existing illnesses and his death was due to natural causes.

Catch Words : Mandatory Inquest : Death in Care : Natural Causes

Last updated: 19-Sep-2024

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