Jury Duty in Australia: What to Expect

Who Gets Called?

All Australian citizens on the electoral roll can be randomly selected for jury duty. You may be called multiple times in your life or never — it's random. If called, you receive a jury summons by mail with a date and location. Jury service is a legal obligation for citizens — failure to attend without a valid excuse can result in fines.

Exemptions

You can apply for deferral or exemption if: you don't speak English well enough to follow court proceedings, you have a medical condition, you have caring responsibilities that can't be arranged around jury service, or jury service would cause undue financial hardship. Permanent exemptions apply to certain professions (lawyers, police officers, emergency services in some states). If English is a barrier, explain this in your exemption application.

What to Expect

Report to the court on your summons date. You'll wait in a jury assembly area and may be called for selection. Jury selection involves random names being called, with lawyers able to challenge (exclude) certain jurors. If selected, trials typically last 1-10 days for most cases. You'll hear evidence, deliberate with other jurors, and reach a verdict. Jurors must not discuss the case outside the jury room.

Payment

Jurors receive a daily allowance: $40-120/day depending on your state and length of service. Your employer must allow you to attend jury duty and cannot terminate you for it. Most employers continue to pay salary during jury duty (check your employment contract or award). Self-employed jurors receive the standard daily allowance only.