Chief Magistrates Memorandum 28

Attached here is a .pdf file of the "Memorandum 28 – Covid 19" which will commence on 4 July 2022.

Some key points to take from it:

• The wearing of masks in court is no longer mandated but instead will be at the direction of the presiding magistrate
• All appearances in Criminal Law matters will be in person unless an application to appear remotely is approved by the Court (some exceptions apply)
• Applications for e-mail and/or AVL appearances in Criminal Law matters will only be granted where the Court considers that the circumstances justify remote attendance
• Defendants in custody will continue to appear remotely where the Court considers that the circumstances justify remote attendance
• Court users may continue to apply for remote appearances where they are unable to attend court for health reasons, and the Court may make such orders of its own motion

Court Security Act Order Expiry

Please note that on 4 July at 5pm the current Court Security Act Order will expire. There are currently no plans to renew the Order. The expiry of the Court Security Act Order will have the practical effect that Sheriff’s Officers will no longer enforce mask use and social distancing at the Local Court. Neither will Sheriff's Officers be checking if court users have ‘a legitimate reason associated with a particular matter’ before the person is granted access. Magistrates will retain the power to direct mask-use in their courtrooms. The Chief Magistrate may issue a further Court Security Act Order, at short notice, should the need arise in the future.

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