Increased restrictions come into effect this week for courts across Queensland

As an essential service, Queensland courts have introduced new restrictions ‘to continue to provide access to justice while ensuring the health and safety of all participants’. Here’s what you need to know:

Additional restrictions have been introduced to courthouses across Queensland this week, with practice notes issued for all jurisdictions.

From this week, all persons entering a court building will need to check in at the entrance of the courthouse, and again when entering individual courtrooms.

All persons not fully vaccinated are able to attend court but must wear a face mask at all times while in the court building, other than when speaking.

Chief Justice Catherine Holmes. Photo: Annette Dew

In a practice note issued last week, Chief Justice Catherine Holmes said the measures were a direct response to the opening of the Queensland border, and the easing restrictions set to take place from December 17.

“In light of the greater prospect of community transmission of the Covid-19 virus with the opening of the state borders in December 2021, this direction is aimed at ensuring that the courts, as an essential service, continue to provide access to justice while ensuring the health and safety of all participants,” Chief Justice Holmes said.

“Subject to the direction of the presiding judge, all persons not fully vaccinated and entering a court building should wear a face mask at all times while in the court building, other than when speaking in court.”

The practice direction also states that any practitioner or unrepresented part who is not fully vaccinated, or is aware that a client, witness the propose to call or other person attending court should notify the court at least 24 hours prior to give consideration to any necessary alternative arrangements.