Respondent's genuine steps statement (Form 11)
Form 11 is the respondent's genuine steps statement in the Federal Court of Australia under rule 5.03 and the Civil Dispute Resolution Act 2011.
Word document from Federal Court of Australia's website.
DraftOur fillable copy of this form has not been through editorial review yet. Check it against Federal Court of Australia's current form before you rely on it.
- Format
- Word (DOCX)
- Category
- Court form
- Form number
- Form 11
- Version
- vccd3a358
- Last updated
- 14 October 2026
Federal Court of Australia · Federal Court Rules 2011
For law practices: this form maps to the published matter-field vocabulary, so your practice management system fills it from your matter data - on your own machine. Practice management systems can fetch and assemble it through the document assembly API.
What Form 11 is for
Under the Civil Dispute Resolution Act 2011, an applicant starting civil proceedings must file a genuine steps statement describing the steps taken to resolve the dispute, or why none were taken (s 6). A respondent given a copy must file their own statement, saying they agree with the applicant's statement or specifying where and why they disagree (s 7). Rule 5.03 of the Federal Court Rules 2011 requires the respondent's statement to be in accordance with Form 11, be no more than 2 pages, and be filed before the first directions hearing or the hearing, whichever is earlier.
When you need it
- You are a respondent and the applicant has filed a genuine steps statement (Form 16) in the proceeding.
- You agree that the applicant has fairly described the steps taken to resolve the dispute, or you disagree in whole or in part.
- Not needed if the applicant has not filed a genuine steps statement, for example in a wholly excluded proceeding (r 5.03(1); CDRA s 6(3)).
How to fill it in
- 1
Complete the heading
Use the file number, District Registry, Division and party names on the originating application.
- 2
Choose agree or disagree
Keep one option. Either the respondent agrees with the applicant's genuine steps statement, or the respondent disagrees in whole or in part.
- 3
If you disagree, say how and why
Specify each respect in which you disagree with the applicant's statement and your reasons (CDRA s 7(2)(b)). For example, the applicant says it offered mediation but never did, or you made an offer that is not mentioned. Keep it within 2 pages (r 5.03(3)).
- 4
Date and sign
Date and sign as the respondent or the respondent's lawyer.
Filing, lodging and service
- File before the first directions hearing or the hearing, whichever is earlier (r 5.03(1)), usually through eLodgment using the file number.
- Serve it on the applicant and any other parties. Under the Rules, file means file and serve (Dictionary).
- The Court may take into account whether a party filed a statement and took genuine steps when exercising its powers and deciding costs (CDRA ss 11, 12).
Common mistakes
- Genuine steps include notifying the other side of the issues, responding appropriately, sharing relevant information, considering alternative dispute resolution, and attempting to negotiate (CDRA s 4).
- A lawyer acting for a respondent must advise the respondent of the requirement and help them comply (CDRA s 9).
- Failing to file a statement does not invalidate the proceedings or the response (CDRA s 10(2)), but it can count against you on costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must a respondent file a genuine steps statement in the Federal Court?
Before the first directions hearing or the hearing, whichever is earlier, if the applicant has filed a genuine steps statement (r 5.03(1)).
What goes in a respondent's genuine steps statement?
A statement that you agree with the applicant's genuine steps statement, or the respects in which, and reasons why, you disagree (CDRA s 7(2)). It must be no more than 2 pages (r 5.03(3)).
Checked against the official sources on 26 October 2026
- Civil Dispute Resolution Act 2011 (Cth) ss 4, 6, 7, 9 to 12
- Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth) rr 5.03, 8.02, Dictionary
- Federal Court of Australia - Form 11 Respondent's genuine steps statement
- Federal Court of Australia - eLodgment
General information about the form, not legal advice about your matter. Rules and forms change: if anything here differs from the court or agency's current instructions, theirs apply.
Field map
5 boxes on the Respondent's genuine steps statement (Form 11) fill from your matter.
- Our Firm
- Firm name
- Client
- Client full name(s), Client state
- Operator
- User First Name
Matter plans that use this form
More from Federal Court of Australia
Administrator's petition (Form B15)
Form B15 is the Federal Court of Australia petition by an executor or administrator to have a deceased estate administered in bankruptcy. It is made under s 247 of the Bankruptcy Act.
Affidavit (Form 59)
Form 59 is the approved affidavit form for the Federal Court of Australia under rule 29.02 of the Federal Court Rules 2011. It sets out a witness's evidence in numbered paragraphs, sworn or affirmed.
Answers to interrogatories (Form 40)
Form 40 sets out a party's written answers to interrogatories in the Federal Court of Australia, with the affidavit verifying them, under rule 21.03.
Applicant creditor's petition for administration of deceased person's estate (Form B14)
Form B14 is a creditor's petition asking the Federal Court of Australia to order that a deceased person's estate be administered under the Bankruptcy Act.
Applicant's genuine steps statement (Form 16)
Form 16 is the Applicant's genuine steps statement filed with an originating application in the Federal Court of Australia. It is required by s 6 of the Civil Dispute Resolution Act 2011.
Application (Form B2)
Form B2 is the originating Application used to start a bankruptcy proceeding in the Federal Court of Australia. It states the relief sought and the provisions relied on.