The following update is from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria and Chair of Courts Council, Anne Ferguson, on behalf of the Victorian courts and VCAT.
The Victorian courts and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) will adjust their operations to reflect the further public health measures that have been introduced and the extension of lockdown conditions to the whole of Victoria.
Chief Justice Ferguson said urgent and priority matters which cannot be held remotely will be held in person. This applies now to regional Victoria, as well as metropolitan Melbourne.
The Courts and VCAT will continue to hear as many other matters as possible remotely. Some matters may be adjourned for a period of time.
Commencement of all new jury trials, including those in regional Victoria, will be suspended while lockdown conditions apply.
“The Victorian courts and VCAT are conscious of the difficult conditions through which thousands of people are working to enable hearings to continue. The jurisdictions will be mindful of the challenges this presents,” Chief Justice Ferguson said.
“It remains incredibly important to keep the Courts and VCAT operating. We are deeply grateful for the continuing efforts of all those who enable this to happen.
“With the goodwill and co-operation of all who come to and work in the Courts and VCAT, physically and virtually, as many matters as possible are able to be progressed for the benefit of the community during these concerning times.”
Please check the websites of each jurisdiction for jurisdiction-specific changes.