New triage system for dealing with cases

The Magistrates Court of Tasmania is desperately playing catch-up as the fast evolving coronavirus pandemic causes unprecedented challenges.

THE Magistrates Court of Tasmania is desperately playing catch-up as the fast evolving coronavirus pandemic causes unprecedented challenges.

Many attending court this week were turned away at the door reporting “flu-like symptoms” including runny noses, itchy throats or a cough.

Magistrates struggled to process their cases by phone.

Telstra mobile network issues, wrong numbers and disconnected phone lines all contributed to the pain.

On Tuesday, many defendants on Magistrate Sharon Cure’s list in Launceston were unable to attend court due to their symptoms.

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She said the pandemic had evolved too quickly for the court and magistrates would have to take a “flexible approach” as processes were worked out.

Magistrates are setting down hearings as far into the future as possible in an effort to reduce the number of people in courts.

Magistrate Ken Stanton said on Monday the court was developing a plan.

He said that rather than holding hearings, non-urgent matters would be listed for mention three months out.

A Department of Justice spokesperson said courts were attempting to triage court lists to reduce the number of people in the same location at the same time, increase the use of video conferencing and prioritise which matters would continue to be dealt with by the court and which matters would be adjourned.