The Court is adjusting its operations, including in-person hearings and admission ceremonies, in light of eased restrictions and the removal of the work from home recommendation.
This news article may contain information that has since been updated or revised. To view current changes to Court operations related to COVID-19 visit the coronavirus information page.
In-person hearings and transitional COVID measures
A new Notice to Profession has been issued setting out arrangements for a return to more in-person hearings.
For hearings commencing 14 March onwards it will no longer be necessary to apply for a hearing to be held in-person. The Court will instead operate with a mixture of in-person and remote hearings using a series of default positions for different hearing types.
The Court remains constrained on the number of courtrooms available. Priority for courtrooms will be given to trials and appeals. Other matters for which the default position is an in-person hearing but which cannot be accommodated in a physical courtroom will proceed by remote hearing.
Everyone attending the indoor public areas of the Court is asked to wear a mask. In particular, and subject to the exemptions, everyone working indoors in a publicly accessible space in a courtroom is required to wear a mask under pandemic orders. This includes practitioners, staff and others attending as part of their work.
Physical distancing will be maintained where possible, but the Court will revert to conventional courtroom and jury room arrangements for criminal jury trials. Mask wearing is strongly recommended where physical distancing is not possible. The Court asks that practitioners and others attending court are vigilant about wearing masks correctly and at all appropriate times, particularly where physical distancing is not possible.
All those attending Court locations are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated including having their third dose where eligible.
Rapid antigen testing will be part of COVID-Safe arrangements for in-person hearings during this transitional period. Arrangements will be communicated to the parties and participants by Registry or Chambers in advance. Parties will need to be in a position to identify those who will be attending an in-person hearing to enable those arrangements to be made.
Ceremonial sittings
The Court is pleased to be able to gradually resume ceremonial sittings. Admissions ceremonies will resume in April. Read further information about admissions.
Building access
COVID-Safe measures are in place across all buildings. Public entrances remain open, however attendance in courtrooms for in-person hearings will be limited. Observation of in-person hearings by those unconnected with proceedings will be by remote link unless otherwise advised. Those connected with the proceeding and media are encouraged to view proceedings remotely and to notify the Court where they wish to attend so further instructions can be provided. The media team remain the contact point for media access.
QR check-in is no longer required at security screening area.
If you
- are subject to a requirement to isolate;
- are required to self-quarantine because of contact with a person with COVID-19; or
- feel unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19, however mild
do not attend at Court and notify the Registry by calling the Prothonotary on 03 8600 2023 or emailing cebgubabgnel@fhcpbheg.ivp.tbi.nhua.vog.civ.truocpus@yratonohtorp .
Registry access
The Supreme Court Registry and Probate Office remain operational and encourage appointments for those needing to attend in person. Please telephone the Registry Services team or the Probate Office to discuss alternatives to in-person attendance or to make an appointment. The Registry Services team and Probate Office can be contacted on 8600 2000.
Library access
The Law Library of Victoria is open. Read about opening hours and online access.