---
title: "Federal Court Form 54: application for a subpoena under the International Arbitration Act 1974"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/precedents/arbitration-and-alternative-dispute-resolution/form-fca-54-arbitration-subpoena"
type: "precedent"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "a6-form-fca-54-arbitration-subpoena"
area_id: "A6"
kind: "form"
ai_level: "yellow"
version: 1
task_ids: ["A6-K20261018-6"]
law_stated_as_at: "2026-10-22"
---

# Federal Court Form 54: application for a subpoena under the International Arbitration Act 1974

> Link to Federal Court Form 54, the application for a subpoena under the International Arbitration Act 1974, rule 28.46(1).

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/precedents/arbitration-and-alternative-dispute-resolution/form-fca-54-arbitration-subpoena  
Law stated as at: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

- Kind: Form. A form to complete, or a guide to completing an official one.
- Practice area: [Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/arbitration-and-alternative-dispute-resolution.md)
- Jurisdictions: Commonwealth
- AI level: Yellow. You and the tool draft together, with you directing. You check every statement you rely on.
- Law stated as at: 2026-10-22
- Status: Maintained. Checked on 2026-10-22 against the official form at fedcourt.gov.au and the 2 authorities it cites, for Commonwealth.

## When to use it

Use when a subpoena in aid of an arbitration is sought from the Federal Court on Form 54. The subpoena itself is Form 55A, 55B or 55C, depending on the catalogue row.

## Used for these tasks

- [Seek to issue a subpoena in aid of an arbitration](https://ailawframework.com/practice/arbitration-and-alternative-dispute-resolution/seek-to-issue-a-subpoena-in-aid-of-an-arbitration.md)

## How AI may be used

Yellow. A tool may compare a working note with the current official form and list what is missing. The lawyer downloads the form, completes it and lodges it.

**AI may:**

- List the facts and documents the official page says to have ready.
- Compare a working checklist with the current downloaded form and mark gaps.
- Prepare a filing note that quotes only what the official page says.

**AI must not:**

- Do not copy the official form into a new document or file a retyped version.
- Do not invent a form number, fee, time limit or rule that is not on the official page.
- Do not draft, settle or sign an affidavit or other sworn evidence.
- Do not lodge the form or tell the client it has been filed.

**The lawyer checks:**

- Form 54 is the application. The catalogue then lists Forms 55A, 55B and 55C as the subpoenas.
- Do not use catalogue Forms 43A, 43B or 43C unless the Form 54 row says to.
- The Form 54 row cites rule 28.46(1), dated 1 August 2011.
- The lawyer checks the Court's power to issue the subpoena.

## Authorities

- [Federal Court forms catalogue, Form 54, rule 28.46(1), date 1 August 2011.](https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/forms-and-fees/forms/federal-court-rules)
- [Form 54 Word file named on the catalogue.](https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/forms-and-fees/forms/federal-court-rules/FCA_form054_20110801.docx)

## Official form

[Official form](https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/forms-and-fees/forms/federal-court-rules)

## Where this comes from

The official form is published by fedcourt.gov.au; this page is a completion guide. Last checked on 2026-10-22.

## Full text and drafting notes

The full text and the drafting notes are not part of this public page. Signed-in firm accounts can read them at https://ailawframework.com/precedents/arbitration-and-alternative-dispute-resolution/form-fca-54-arbitration-subpoena and through the signed-in MCP connector https://ailawframework.com/mcp/firm.

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*