Coronavirus QLD: Courts reveal drastic new virus prevention measures

Queensland’s magistrates courts have revealed they will no longer allow physical appearances by parties in any case as part of the push to stop the spread of COVID-19. But there's one exceptional circumstance that could see that rule overturned.

QUEENSLAND Magistrates courts will no longer allow physical appearances by parties in any case, except in the exceptional circumstances of an urgent private domestic violence application.

The drastic new measures come amid the court’s push to stop the spread of COVID-19 with all matters now to be dealt with via telephone and video conferencing.

Ski trip cluster: Jetsetters behind Noosa’s covid-19 outbreak

Parent concern as school’s out, maybe for winter

How virus jumped from cruise ship to prison

‘Thousands of new infections’ if election goes ahead

“Until further notice, there will be no physical appearances in any matter, except by an aggrieved party in an urgent private domestic violence application, members of the media, or with leave of the court,” Chief Magistrate Terry Gardiner wrote in a statement.

“Instead all matters will be conducted by telephone or video conference, including appearances by people in custody.”

Magistrates Courts will hear matters including overnight custody arrests, urgent domestic violence and child protection applications, and domestic violence applications currently before the court which have not been considered.

“Apart from the specified matters, all civil and criminal matters currently before the Court will be adjourned to a date to be fixed,” Magistrate Gardiner said.

The Court will continue to accept applications to hear matters where delay would cause substantial prejudice to a party.

A Magistrate will consider the application and decide whether the matter will be heard.

The practice directions will reduce the number of people present in Queensland’s Magistrates Courts, consistent with current health advice regarding social distancing, and limit the opportunities for transmission of the virus within the community.

Queensland Courts have been reviewing all operations to ensure essential services are maintained consistent with health advice.

“This has included expanding the use of telephone, audio visual equipment and digital technology to reduce the numbers of people required to attend Court,” he said.