Status of courts in Victoria in response to COVID-19

Contributor

Madgwicks Lawyers has been serving clients since 1975 with reliable legal advice, clear explanations of outcomes, and practical options. Their deep expertise helps clients navigate complex matters by providing informed decision-making. The firm prioritizes developing long-term relationships with clients locally and globally, adding value beyond legal services. With over 100 staff and expertise in key practice areas, Madgwicks is an award-winning commercial firm. As part of Meritas, they are connected to a global alliance, offering business law services in 92 countries.

Explore Firm Details

Courts in Victoria are open, but are changing the way they operate in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Australia Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

While VCAT venues are closed to the public including VCAT Magistrates' Court counters, VCAT is considered an essential service and will still be hearing some matters by telephone.

No face-to-face hearings are scheduled, and all non-critical cases listed up to and including 17 April 2020 will be adjourned for the foreseeable future. Residential Tenancies and Guardianship matters (and a small number of other critical matters) are being heard by telephone.

See more at: https://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/news/coronavirus-covid-19-response

Magistrates Court of Victoria (including the Children's Court)

All Magistrates' Court venues remain open but to reduce the number of people in our buildings a range of non-urgent matters have been adjourned. Details below for criminal proceedings, civil jurisdiction, family violence protection and personal safety, and VOCAT matters.

See more at: https://www.mcv.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/news/changes-operations-during-covid-19-pandemic

County Court of Victoria

The County Court of Victoria has announced a series of changes to operations in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and in response to the fact that new jury trials are unlikely to occur until the last quarter of 2020 at the earliest.

See more at: https://www.countycourt.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/news-listing/2020-03-20-major-changes-operations

Supreme Court of Victoria

The Supreme Court of Victoria is changing the way it operates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

To ensure the Court can continue to deliver core and vital services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Court is introducing a suite of changes to its processes and procedures.

See more at: https://www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/news/supreme-court-changes-in-response-to-covid-19

Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia

There are changes to court operations.

See more at: http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/online-services/covid/covid-news-hp

Federal Court of Australia

See the update at the link below.

See more at: https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/news-and-events/18-march-2020

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. Madgwicks is a member of Meritas, one of the world's largest law firm alliances.