Payment for jury service
Jurors who are employed are paid up to a maximum of $271.72 per day for jury service occurring from 1 July 2022, providing they supply evidence from their employer that they have lost salary whilst at court on jury duty.
Unemployed persons are paid $25.00 for each half day they attend court; $40.00 for each of the first three full days they attend and $50.00 for each full day they attend thereafter.
If the jury retires to consider its verdict, the court will provide your meals. If a juror has special dietary requirements they should discuss this with the Sheriff’s Office staff so that suitable arrangements can be made.
Making a claim
If you would like to make a claim for expenses arising from jury service please complete the form that applies to the court where you completed your jury service. You will need your jury panel number and juror number which are on your juror summons. You will also need to know how many full days and half days you were required to attend court.
The form is a statutory declaration and your signature must be witnessed by a justice of the peace or commissioner for declarations.
Please return the form with all supporting documentation by fax or mail to the address shown on the form.
Parking and mileage costs
There is no all-day parking located in the vicinity of the court. Jurors are advised to park in one of the parking stations in the central business district.
Car parking fees are also paid on production of receipts.
Jurors are paid at the following rate per kilometre travelled whilst on jury service:
- $0.6231 cents (engine capacity 2 litres and over); or
- $0.5339 cents (under 2 litre engine capacity).
The distance is calculated from your place of residence to the courthouse by the shortest practicable route.
If you travel by public transport, keep your bus tickets as they will be refunded.
Taxi fares will not be reimbursed.
Parking fines
Parking fines are not paid.
Child care costs
If jurors have to avail themselves of child care facilities due to jury service, then they should retain all receipts as the court will refund the reasonable costs of child care.
Can my employer apply for me to be excused?
Yes, your employer can apply for you to be excused. However, you will still need to fill out the Statutory Declaration form on the back of your summons explaining the problem.
This should be accompanied by a written statement from your employer outlining the situation fully. You will be advised by return mail of the result of your application.
Upon receipt of your jury summons you should immediately advise your employer of your impending jury service.
Can I be dismissed from my job for doing jury duty?
No, it is against the law for your employer to dismiss you or in any way disadvantage you for making yourself available for jury service.
An employer can be charged pursuant to the provisions of the Juries Act 2003 and upon conviction could be fined or imprisoned.
In addition the employer could be ordered to pay you a specified sum by way of reimbursement for the salary or wages lost by you and be ordered to reinstate you to your former position or a similar position.
If it is considered that it is impracticable to reinstate you, the employer may be ordered to pay you an amount of compensation not exceeding the amount of remuneration paid to you during the twelve months immediately before your dismissal.