News

A new media guide is now available to support journalists to report on sexual violence in Queensland.

The Sexual Violence Media Guide provides journalists and editors with advice on trauma-informed approaches to reporting, sexual violence statistics, practical reporting tips and legal considerations, including covering matters before the courts.

A key section of the guide details new laws removing restrictions prohibiting the identification of an adult charged with a prescribed sexual offence such as rape or attempted rape, prior to the finalisation of committal proceedings in the Magistrates Court.

The guide was a recommendation of Queensland’s Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce in its Hear her voice Report 2.

Find the guide at www.qld.gov.au/SVmediaguide

During September 2023 the Queensland Court of Appeal will undertake a judicial exchange with the Western Australian Court of Appeal. Whilst it is the fifth exchange between the two jurisdictions, it is the first involving both Presidents.

From 11 to 22 September inclusive Justice Buss, President of the Western Australia Court of Appeal, will act as a Judge of Appeal in Queensland, whilst Justice Mullins, President of the Court of Appeal of Queensland, will sit on appellate matters in the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

The Supreme Court of Queensland’s Judicial Exchange Program commenced in 2019 as an opportunity for appellate judges to examine practices for listing, managing and hearing appeals in other State jurisdictions through firsthand experience of sitting in those jurisdictions and also sitting with judges from other jurisdictions in Queensland.

It is a practical means for professional development of appellate judges, as well as improving efficiencies in the administration of the appellate jurisdiction, to the benefit of the courts involved in the exchange, court users and the community more broadly.

Mental Health Court Practice Direction 1 of 2023 (PDF, 46.8 KB) - References

The Chief Judge has issued Practice Direction 6 of 2023 (PDF, 30.4 KB) detailing the current five Commercial List Judges.

Read more about the District Court Commercial List (PDF, 198.9 KB).

Selden Society 2023 lecture series: lecture four

Sir Charles Lilley and the Grimley Affair

Presented by Dr Sarah McKibbin

Thursday 7 September
5.15 for 5.30pm
Banco Court, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law

Level 3, 415 George Street, Brisbane
(Or join the livestream via Zoom.)

Sir Charles Lilley (1827–97) was a towering figure in politics and law in colonial Queensland, but his final years were dogged by controversy.

In October 1892, Sir Charles announced his intention to resign as second Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland (1879–93). The catalyst was his behaviour throughout the 57-day civil trial of Queensland Investment and Land Mortgage Co Ltd v Grimley. Leading up to his resignation, Sir Charles increasingly eschewed norms of judicial detachment. Grimley was the final straw.

This lecture examines the Grimley affair and considers the extent to which, along with his behaviour in other proceedings of the time, it brought into question Sir Charles’ ethics as a judge.

Dr Sarah McKibbin is a Lecturer in Law at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba, where she teaches, researches and publishes in legal history and private international law. Dr McKibbin is the lead author of A Legal History for Australia (Hart Publishing, 2021).

Join us for refreshments in the Portrait Gallery after the lecture.

Register to attend this free lecture in person—please bring your ticket for quick check-in.

We will also be livestreaming the lecture: register to join this lecture via Zoom.

CPD points: 1 point per hour, self-assessed (BAQ and QLS)

For more information:

• visit sclqld.org.au/selden
• phone 1300 SCLQLD (1300 725 753)

Free exhibition

4 August to 15 December 2023
Weekdays, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Supreme Court Library Queensland
Level 12, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law

https://legalheritage.sclqld.org.au/exhibitions/force-good-past-present-and-future

This year marks 150 years since the foundation of Queensland's first law society at its first meeting on 7 August 1873.

The Society’s founding vision was to be a force for good by protecting the public from dishonourable conduct among solicitors, while promoting the dissemination of legal knowledge, and advising the legislature on amendments to laws.

While the profession has grown and changed immeasurably over the past 150 years, this purpose—Good Law - Good Lawyers - Public Good—remains unchanged.

A force for good: past, present and future reflects on the past, present and future of QLS, and celebrates the achievements of the Society and its members that have helped shape the law in Queensland.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 4 of 2022 (PDF, 1.3 MB) - Amended  - Domestic and Family Violence - Including Annexures A,B, C and D

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 3 of 2023 (PDF, 707.6 KB) – Summary Proceedings under the Justices Act 1886 for domestic violence offence

New and revised forms have been issued to reflect the legislative amendments arising from the Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combatting Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023, which commenced on 01 August 2023. The following forms have been developed or amended:

• DV01A Guide to Completing an Application for a Protection Order
• DV38 Application for Substituted Service Order (NEW)
• DV39 Affidavit of Attempted Personal Service (NEW)
• DV40 Substituted Service Order (NEW)
• DV41 Respondent’s Application to Reopen Proceedings After Service Under a Substituted Service Order (NEW)
• DV45 Statement of Substituted Police Service (NEW)

Copies of these forms are available at https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/about/forms.

These forms were first published on 01 August 2023

Amendments to Court Forms, New Court Forms and Update to Forms referencing the Monarch

As a result of the Justice and Other Legislation Act 2021 amendments to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, Domestic and Family Violence Protection Rules 2014, and Oaths Act 1867, the following new and amended forms have been approved on 23 June 2023:

1. DV01 – Application for Protection Order
2. DV01A – Guide to completing an application for a protection order
3. DV01C – Aggrieved confidential address form
4. DV01D – Special Witness jurat for DV affidavit forms (NEW FORM)
5. DV01E – Special Witness statutory declaration and content for DV forms (NEW FORM)
6. DV01F – Request to appear remotely in a DV proceeding
7. DV04 – Application to Vary Protection Order
8. DV04A – Application to Vary Recognised Interstate Order
9. DV09 – Application to vary or revoke and intervention order
10. DV14A – Application to register New Zealand order in Queensland
11. DV16 - Application to vary or revoke the registration of an interstate order
12. DV16A - Application to vary or revoke the registration of a New Zealand order
13. DV21 – Affidavit of Personal Service
14. DV25 – Affidavit
15. DV35 - Application for declaration of a DVO to be a recognised interstate order

In addition to the above forms, to reflect the current Monarch, all court forms containing references to “Her Majesty” or “the Queen” were amended to “the King” and “His Majesty”. This includes forms made under the Bail Act 1980 and Penalties and Sentences Act 1992. The following amended forms have been approved on 23 June 2023:

16. Form 03 – Recognisance to appear for sentence
17. Form 06 – Recognisance – conviction on indictment
18. Form 08 – Recognisance – Summary conviction
19. Form 07 – Undertaking as to bail
20. Form 08 – Notice to defendant
21. Form 10 – Undertaking as to bail following grant of bail by Judge of the Supreme or District Court or Court of Appeal
22. Form 11 - Affidavit of justification

The above forms were first published on the Queensland Courts website on 25 July 2023.

Selden Society 2023 lecture series: lecture three

Queensland Law Society: serving ‘conscientious, honest lawyers’                                                                                                              

Presented by Helen Gregory

Thursday 3 August 2023
5.15 for 5.30pm 
Banco Court, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law

Level 3, 415 George Street, Brisbane 
(Or join the livestream via Zoom.)

A statement praising ‘conscientious honest lawyers’ was published in a Brisbane newspaper in 1874. At that time, the public image of lawyers—barristers, as well as solicitors—was poor. For decades Queensland Parliaments were inclined to agree. The creation of the incorporated Queensland Law Society was seen as an important step in improving the reputation of lawyers.

In this lecture, historian Helen Gregory presents the challenges which needed to be addressed, and how government was persuaded to pass the necessary legislation, taking into account the expectations of solicitors, Parliament and the public.

Join us for refreshments in the Portrait Gallery after the lecture.

Register to attend this free lecture in person—please bring your ticket for quick check-in.

We will also be livestreaming the lecture: register to join this lecture via Zoom.

CPD points: 1 point per hour, self-assessed (BAQ and QLS)

For more information:

• visit sclqld.org.au/selden
• phone 1300 SCLQLD (1300 725 753)

Queensland Law Society Vice President, Rebecca Fogerty, will give a short speech before the lecture and officially open the new SCLQ and QLS exhibition, A force for good: past, present and future—Your law library and QLS celebrate 150 years since the foundation of Queensland's first law society.

Items from the exhibition will be displayed in the Banco Court foyer before and after the lecture.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 2 of 2023 (PDF, 557.4 KB) - Pronunciation of names and preferred forms of address

From 1 July 2023 the scale of costs will increase for:

• Supreme and District Court proceedings under Schedule 1, items 4 to 21 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999
• Magistrates Courts proceedings under Schedule 2, part 2 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999
• Domestic and Family Violence proceedings under Schedule 1, part 2, items 4 to 18 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Rules 2014.

The new amounts are published in the Uniform Civil Procedure and Other Rules Amendment Rule 2023.

On 1 July 20223 our fees and charges were increased by 3.4% in line with Queensland Government's indexation policy.

It's important to note that fees are stated in fee regulations as fee units and not in dollar amounts.

As at 1 July 2023, the value of a fee unit for court fees is $1.060 (see s 2 of the Acts Interpretation (Fee Unit) Regulation 2022 and s48B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954). Please note the rounding rules that apply under s 48C of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954.
You can contact us to find out details about specific fees, charges or prices.

The new fees relate to prescribed fees under the following regulations:

*Appeal Costs Fund Regulation 2010
*Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Regulation 2015
*Criminal Practice (Fees and Allowances) Regulation 2021
*Evidence Regulation 2017
*Jury Regulation 2017
*Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Regulation 2017
*Justices Regulation 2014
*Land Court Regulation 2021
*Penalties and Sentences Regulation 2015
*Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Regulation 2019
*Recording of Evidence Regulation 2018
*Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019

District Court Practice Direction No 5 of 2023 (PDF, 68.1 KB) - Sentencing Proceedings - Outline of Submissions.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 14 of 2023 (PDF, 94.9 KB) – Wills and estates list.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 13 of 2023 (PDF, 156.7 KB) – Supervised case list for proceedings involving self-represented parties: civil jurisdiction.

District Court Practice Direction 4 of 2023 (PDF, 35.7 KB) – Designation of court holidays.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 12 of 2023 (PDF, 101.7 KB) – Designation of court holidays.

New versions of Form 59A – Request for Consent Order of Registrar and Form 11 – Consent Adjournment of Application were approved by the Rules Committee on 22 May 2023. Please ensure Form 59A – Request for Consent Order of Registrar (version 4) and Form 11 – Consent Adjournment of Application (version 2) are used when appropriate. Copies of the new forms are available at https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/about/forms.

These forms were first published on the court forms webpage on 25 May 2023.

During May and June 2023 the Queensland Court of Appeal will undertake judicial exchanges with both the South Australian Court of Appeal and the Western Australian Court of Appeal.

It is the first judicial exchange between the Queensland and South Australian jurisdictions, and the fourth exchange between the Queensland and Western Australian jurisdictions.

The Supreme Court of Queensland’s Judicial Exchange Program commenced in 2019 as an opportunity for appellate judges to examine practices for listing, managing and hearing appeals in other State jurisdictions through firsthand experience of sitting in those jurisdictions and also sitting with judges from other jurisdictions in Queensland.

It is a practical means for professional development of appellate judges, as well as improving efficiencies in the administration of the appellate jurisdiction, to the benefit of the courts involved in the exchange, court users and the community more broadly.

From 29 May to 9 June, Justice Livesey, President of the Court of Appeal of South Australia, will act as a Judge of Appeal in Queensland.

During this time Justice Dalton, Judge of Appeal in the Supreme Court of Queensland, will sit on appellate matters in the Supreme Court of South Australia.

Meanwhile from 2 to 12 May, Justice Mitchell, Judge of Appeal of Western Australia, will act as a Judge of Appeal in Queensland.

During this time Justice Morrison, Judge of Appeal in the Supreme Court of Queensland, will sit on appellate matters in the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

Practitioners are advised that documents in Supreme Court Commercial List matters are to be filed both electronically using the Objective Connect platform and in hard copy in the Registry, unless relieved from the obligation to do so by a Court Order.

The requirement to file an electronic copy as well as a hard copy does not apply to the filing by Mediators of Mediation Certificates. Mediators need only file a hard copy of the certificate.

Use of Objective Connect platform will make the case management process much more efficient for the Court, facilitate trials being conducted as eTrials, and thereby save parties time and costs. Read more>

The introduction of Objective Connect responded to representations from the profession that the 2016 Commercial List Practice Direction requirement for a USB to be filed in the Registry (in addition to hard copy documents) was inconvenient. Objective Connect replaces the less convenient USB process.

The new Supreme Court Practice Direction 1 of 2023 (PDF, 163.3 KB) aims to improve the conduct of commercial litigation by an enhanced Commercial List from 30 January 2023.

The new Practice Direction is supported by Notes about the conduct of the Commercial List (PDF, 163.0 KB), draft directions (PDF, 108.5 KB), expert evidence (PDF, 65.5 KB), and electronic filing (PDF, 13.7 KB).

Requests to place matters falling within the Practice Direction on the List should be made by the online Commercial List Request Form.

The Practice Direction applies to existing and future proceedings on the Commercial List commenced in, or transferred to, the Brisbane Registry. All matters, which are currently on the Supervised List and which come within the definition of a commercial matter, will be transferred to the Commercial List.

A commercial matter filed in another region will be subject to case management as appropriate in that region.

The Supreme Court has today issued a new Practice Direction 11 of 2023 – Consent Orders of the Registrar (PDF, 143.0 KB).  This new Practice Direction replaces (and repeals) the former Practice Direction 4 of 2010 (PDF, 186.7 KB).

The new Practice Direction sets out the types of orders that the Registrar ordinarily has power to make, by consent, under rule 666 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999; those orders which will not generally be made by the Registrar and ought to be referred to a judge; and the procedure to be adopted when seeking an order be made by consent by the Registrar.

The new Practice Direction also clarifies the procedure where a matter is on the Caseflow Management List, and is being dealt with by the Resolution Registrar under Practice Direction 9 of 2023 (PDF, 175.2 KB).

Where parties seek to have an order made by the Registrar by consent, the necessary documents can be filed electronically, in accordance with the Principal Registrar (Supreme and District Courts) – Approval 1 of 2020 (PDF, 146.0 KB).

Practitioners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new Practice Direction 11 of 2023 (PDF, 143.0 KB), and also to re-familiarise themselves with Practice Direction 12 of 2022 – Applications (PDF, 152.8 KB) (including in relation to the procedure required where parties seek to have an order made by consent, by a judge, prior to the hearing of an application).

District Court Practice Direction 3 of 2023 (PDF, 104.0 KB) – Repeal of Practice Direction 4 of 2010 Change of Address for Service in Accordance with Practice Directions of the Supreme Court.

The District Court seeks to facilitate a simple process by which legal practitioners and self-represented litigants can provide, and the Court can seek, guidance and clarification of the correct pronunciation of names and preferred forms of address. Refer to District Court Practice Direction 2 of 2023 (PDF, 156.1 KB).

The appearance slip (PDF, 184.3 KB) is available online and in courtrooms.

The Supreme Court seeks to facilitate a simple process by which legal practitioners and self-represented litigants can provide, and the Court can seek, guidance and clarification of the correct pronunciation of names and preferred forms of address. Refer to Supreme Court Practice Direction 10 of 2023 (PDF, 102.4 KB).

The appearance slip is available online (PDF, 184.3 KB) and in courtrooms.

From Monday 3 April 2023, the Chief Justice will no longer issue practice directions in relation to changes in the name and/or address of a solicitor or solicitor’s firm.

Refer the Notice to the Profession (PDF, 77.1 KB) for filing instructions. The District Court has issued Practice Direction 3 of 2023 (PDF, 104.0 KB) to repeal Practice Direction 4 of 2010 Change of Address for Service, in accordance with the Practice Direction of the Supreme Court.

The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 9 of 2023 (PDF, 175.2 KB), in relation to the Caseflow Management List, which takes effect from 1 May 2023.

The Practice Direction implements a change to the way the Caseflow Management List presently works. Under the new Practice Direction, the Resolution Registrar, Ms Julie Ruffin, will manage the Caseflow List, subject to the supervision of the Caseflow Judge. Justice Williams will continue as the Caseflow Judge.

However, the Caseflow Management process is otherwise largely unchanged:

• A case flow intervention notice will be issued where a Request for Trial Date has not been filed within 180 days of the filing of the Defence.
• The parties may submit consent orders agreeing directions designed to progress the matter to resolution, by trial, mediation or negotiated agreement, in a cost effective and timely way.
• The parties may be required to attend a Caseflow Conference with the Resolution Registrar and the matter may be further reviewed by the Resolution Registrar or the Caseflow Judge.
• Non-compliance with the new practice direction or directions made under it may be referred to the Caseflow Judge.

The Practice Direction applies to all civil proceedings commenced by claim, or ordered to proceed as if commenced by claim, in Brisbane, and to any other civil proceeding, if ordered by the court. It does not apply to proceedings already on another managed list. Matters which are already on the Caseflow Management List will remain on the List.

The new Practice Direction will be reviewed in 12 months, in consultation with the profession.

The Supreme Court of Queensland has today issued a new Practice Direction 8 of 2023 (PDF, 103.0 KB) in relation to representative proceedings (or class actions), creating a Class Actions List. Under this Practice Direction, which commences operation on 22 March 2023:

• All class actions will be managed by two judges: Justice Bradley and Justice Williams.
• These judges will deal with all interlocutory matters for class actions.
• When a matter is ready for trial, it will be assigned to another Trial Division judge for hearing, after consultation with the Senior Judge Administrator.
• Where a class action was commenced in the Central, Northern or Far Northern region of the Supreme Court, the trial will take place in that region, unless otherwise ordered by the Senior Judge Administrator.

The two judges referred to above will continue to sit in all other jurisdictions of the Court.

The new Practice Direction will be reviewed at the end of 2023, in consultation with members of the profession.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 7 of 2023 (PDF, 72.6 KB) – Notice of change of address for service of Clifford Gouldson Lawyers.

Version 1 of Form 31 – Neonate Autopsy Certificate (PDF, 124.7 KB) has been approved for use. This version of the form was first published on the Queensland Courts Website on 15 March 2023.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 1 of 2014 - Amended (PDF, 534.4 KB) - Photography and electronic devices in courtrooms.

District Court Practice Direction 10 of 2014 - Amended (PDF, 229.3 KB) - Electronic devices in courtrooms.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 8 of 2014 - Amended (PDF, 157.2 KB) - Photography and electronic devices in court buildings.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 6 of 2023 (PDF, 87.1 KB) - Notice of Change of Address for Service for Pacific Law

District Court Practice Direction 1 of 2023 (PDF, 43.9 KB) - Notice of change of name from Ellem Warren Lawyers to Ellem Warren Napa Lawyers.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 1 of 2023 (PDF, 70.2 KB) - Designation of Court Holidays - Registry - 27 December 2023 to 5 January 2024

Supreme Court Practice Direction 5 of 2023 (PDF, 94.2 KB) - Notice of change of address for service of SMS Law.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 4 of 2023 (PDF, 35.5 KB) - Notice of change of address for service of 0MB Solicitors.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 3 of 2023 (PDF, 19.4 KB) - Notice of change of address for service of Landmark Lawyers Brisbane.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 3 of 2015 - Amended (PDF, 42.2 KB) -  Proceedings using video link facilities and audio link facilities.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 2 of 2023 (PDF, 92.1 KB) - Notice of change of address for service for Australia China Legal Group Pty Ltd.

January 2023 to December 2024

Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre

Ground floor, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law

415 George Street, Brisbane

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm

Free—all visitors welcome

Our exhibition Criminal law—then, now, tomorrow looks at how our society and criminal offences have evolved together since the creation of the Criminal Code 1899 through the upheavals and advancements of the 20th century and explores what changes may occur in the future.

From the widespread use of automobiles to the invention of texting, societal developments often necessitate changes in the criminal justice system. This exhibition tracks some of the biggest changes and asks viewers to theorise how the criminal law will change in response to future technologies and challenges.

District Court Practice Direction 15 of 2022 (PDF, 40.5 KB) - Notice of change of name from 'McDuff & Guilfoyle Lawyers' to 'The firm on the Avenue'.

District Court Practice Direction 14 of 2022 (PDF, 38.1 KB) -  Notice of change of name and address for service from 'Gayler Legal' to 'The firm on the Avenue'.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 30 of 2022 - Notice of change of name from 'McDuff & Guilfoyle Lawyers' to 'The Firm on the Avenue'.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 29 of 2022 (PDF, 75.0 KB) - Notice of change of name and address for service from 'Gayler Legal' to 'The Firm on the Avenue'.

Amendments to forms under the Supreme Court (Admission) Rules 2004 have been approved on 7 November 2022. Newly amended forms include:

• Form 7 - Statement of Eligibility and Suitability - version 5
• Form 8 - Certificate of Suitability - version 4

Copies of the revised forms are available on the Forms page of the CSQ website and the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board website.

Following the ascension of King Charles III, 35 forms under the Criminal Practice Rules 1999 referencing 'the Queen' and 'Her Majesty' have been updated to state 'the King' and 'His Majesty'.

Criminal Practice Rules 1999
Form 01 - General form of application to a court
Form 03 - Application for bail in the court before which the indictment was presented
Form 04 - Application for variation of bail
Form 05 - Application by surety for discharge
Form 06 - Application for revocation (or variation) of bail by prosecutor
Form 09 - Application for a direction or ruling
Form 11 - Affidavit
Form 12 - General form of order
Form 17 - Notice of trial
Form 18 - Notice to attend for sentence
Form 19 - Warrant to arrest accused person who does not attend to receive sentence on judgment by default
Form 20 - Bench warrant
Form 21 - Subpoena to attend court and/or produce documents - Online
Form 22 - Subpoena to produce a document by Court order
Form 25 - Judge's certificate
Form 26 - Notice of appeal or application for leave to appeal against conviction or sentence (for appeals other than under the District Court of Queensland Act 1967, s 118
Form 27 - Notice of application for leave to appeal under the District Court of Queensland Act 1967, s 118
Form 28 - Notice of application for extension of time within which to appeal
Form 29 - Notice of application for extension of time within which to file notice of application for leave to appeal under the District Court of Queensland Act 1967, s 118
Form 30 - Notice of abandonment of appeal or application
Form 31 - Notice of abandonment of application
Form 32 - Notice of order staying execution of order quashing conviction under section 672(1)  
Form 33 - Notice of order for detention or admission to bail pending appeal to High Court under section 672(2)
Form 34 - Notice of Attorney-General's appeal against sentence
Form 36 - Notice to appellant of judge's decision under section 671L
Form 37 - Notice of application for rehearing by Court of Appeal under section 671L
Form 38 - Application for leave to adduce evidence
Form 39 - Order to witness to attend court for examination
Form 40 - Order to witness to attend before examiner for examination
Form 41 - Registrar's certificate of expenses
Form 42 - Order to general manager of a prison after dismissal of appeal to take appellant on bail into custody
Form 43 - Order to general manager of a prison after High Court reverses the order of the Court of Appeal quashing a conviction
Form 44 - Verdict and judgment record
Form 45 - Affidavit of service
Form 46 - Certificate under section 408D(3)

This minor amendment to affected forms does not result in a change of process.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 28 of 2022 (PDF, 71.5 KB) - Notice of change of name from Ready Hocking and RH Law to RHR Legal.

District Court Practice Direction 13 of 2022 (PDF, 35.2 KB) - Commercial List: District Court. This Practice Direction repeals District Court Practice Direction 11 of 2020.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 27 of 2022 (PDF, 81.4 KB) - Change of address for service of Groots Wills & Estate Lawyers.

District Court Practice Direction 12 of 2022 (PDF, 39.9 KB) - Notice of change of name from 'Ashlar Legal' to 'Jones Associates'.

District Court Practice Direction 11 of 2022 (PDF, 38.7 KB) - Notice of change of name from 'Ready Hocking Law Pty Ltd' to 'RHR Legal Pty Ltd'.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 26 of 2022 (PDF, 102.0 KB) - Notice of change of name from 'Ashlar Legal' to 'Jones Associates'.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 25 of 2022 (PDF, 80.0 KB) - Change of address for service of Hartnett Lawyers.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 24 of 2022 (PDF, 77.3 KB) - Change of address for service (JHK Legal)

The Video Recorded Evidence-in-Chief pilot commenced on 12 September 2022 in Ipswich and Southport Magistrates courts. The pilot will run for 12 months for adult domestic and family violence related criminal proceedings.

The video recorded evidence-in-chief (VRE) statement can only be taken by a police officer and must be taken as soon as reasonably practicable after the alleged offence.

For more information on the pilot, see

Pilot of video recorded evidence-in-chief statements | QPS (police.qld.gov.au)

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 5 of 2022 (PDF, 109.4 KB) - Digitally recorded proceedings: Means of identifying proceedings, those appearing, and witnesses.

District Court Practice Direction 10 of 2022 (PDF, 37.5 KB) -  change of name and address for service from Anthony Delaney Lawyers to Delaneys Lawyers

The Guideline for Working with Interpreters in Queensland Courts and Tribunals (PDF, 227.2 KB) has been amended by reference to the Recommended National Standards for Working with Interpreters in Courts and Tribunals (Second Edition), published by the Judicial Council on Cultural Diversity.

Queensland Courts and Tribunals have released a robing policy (PDF, 132.9 KB) for barristers.

Queensland Courts and Tribunals have released a naming convention for judicial officers (PDF, 212.0 KB).

District Court Practice Direction 9 of 2022 (PDF, 38.4 KB) - Notice of change of name from 'Creevey Russell Lawyers' to 'Creevey Horrell Lawyers'

District Court Practice Direction 8 of 2022 (PDF, 37.8 KB) - Notice of change of name from 'Mason & Green Solicitors Pty Ltd ' to 'FNQ Solicitors Pty Ltd'

Supreme Court Practice Direction 23 of 2022 (PDF, 106.2 KB) - Notice of change of name from 'Creevey Russell Lawyers' to 'Creevey Horrell Lawyers'

Supreme Court Practice Direction 22 of 2022 (PDF, 111.2 KB) -  Notice of change of name from 'Mason & Green Solicitors Pty Ltd' to 'FNQ Solicitors Pty Ltd'

As a result of the Justice & Other Legislation Act 2021 amendments to the Oaths Act 1867, the following forms, including new form 001B and two updated forms, have been approved by the Rules Committee on 25 August 2022 for use under the Criminal Practice Rules 1999 from the date of their publication on the Queensland Courts’ website.

Criminal Practice Rules 1999

The above forms were first published on the Queensland Courts website on 1 September 2022.

As a result of the Justice & Other Legislation Act 2021 amendments to the Oaths Act 1867, the following forms, including new form 001A and 16 updated forms, have been approved by the Rules Committee on 25 August 2022 for use under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 from the date of their publication on the Queensland Courts’ website.

Uniform Civil Practice Rules 1999

The above forms were first published on the Queensland Courts website on 1 September 2022.

The Land Court of Queensland has recently launched its new Reconciliation Action Plan - Innovate 2022-2024 (PDF, 4.0 MB).

Supreme Court Practice Direction 21 of 2022 (PDF, 77.1 KB) - Change of address for service for ACS Legal Solutions.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 20 of 2022 (PDF, 84.2 KB) - Change of address for service for Auslaw Partners.

Children's Court Practice Direction 1 of 2022 (PDF, 82.5 KB) -  Digitally recorded proceedings: Means of identifying proceedings, those appearing, and witnesses.

District Court Practice Direction 7 of 2022 (PDF, 82.0 KB) - Digitally recorded proceedings: Means of identifying proceedings, those appearing, and witnesses.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 19 of 2022 (PDF, 82.7 KB) - Change of address for service for Kerin Lawyers

Free exhibition
30 March 2022 to 30 June 2023
Weekdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm
Supreme Court Library Queensland
Level 12, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law  
sclqld.org.au/rare-books

Since our foundation in 1862, SCLQ has provided judicial officers, practitioners and students with access to the most authoritative legal sources.

Many of the books in our collection are rare: a book may be called ‘rare’ for its age, value, beauty or connection to significant individuals or events. Rare books attest to the durability of both the ideas contained within them and the craftsmanship with which they were made.

Our latest major exhibition, So well and diligently set forthe—rare books from the Supreme Court Library Queensland collection, delves into the history of our rare books collection and examines the enduring significance of these objects.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 18 of 2022 (PDF, 205.9 KB) - Digitally recorded proceedings: Means of identifying proceedings, those appearing, and witnesses.

The Supreme Court, in conjunction with the Queensland Law Society Dispute Resolution Committee and LawRight, has launched a scheme for pro bono mediation of claims involving self-represented litigants. The scheme is designed to improve access to justice for Queenslanders by removing the cost of the process as an obstacle to mediation, providing an opportunity for litigants to resolve their dispute, or narrow the issues in the dispute, without the need for determination by the court. The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 17 of 2022 (PDF, 463.2 KB) explaining the scheme. In accordance with the Practice Direction, the mediator is appointed by the court and the services of the mediator, and the venue for the mediation, are provided at no cost to the parties. Mediators are appointed from a panel provided by the Queensland Law Society of nationally accredited mediators under the Australian Standards. As part of the process, LawRight will endeavour to obtain an advocate (solicitor or barrister) to act without charge on behalf of the self-represented litigant at the mediation.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 17 of 2022 (PDF, 463.2 KB) - Scheme for pro bono mediation in proceedings involving self-represented litigants.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 16 of 2022 (PDF, 58.4 KB) - Applications for a no jury trial.

All persons entering Queensland courts are strongly encouraged to wear face masks when inside court buildings.

District Court Practice Direction 6 of 2022 (PDF, 25.4 KB) -  Designation of Court Holidays - Registry 28 December 2022 to 6 January 2023

Supreme Court Practice Direction 15 of 2022 (PDF, 61.9 KB) -  Designation of Court Holidays - Registry 28 December 2022 to 6 January 2023

From 1 July 2022 there is an increase in the scale of costs for:

• Domestic and Family Violence Proceedings under Schedule 1 ,part 2 items 4 to 18, Domestic and Family Violence Protection Rules 2014.
• Supreme and District Court under Schedule 1, items 4 to 21 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999
• Magistrates Courts under Schedule 2, part 2 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999.

For the new scale of costs please see - Uniform Civil Procedure and Other Rules Amendment Rule 2022 (legislation.qld.gov.au)

There has been a change to the Reserve Bank Rate (cash rate) the interest rate to be applied by registrars to default judgments and money orders from 1 July, 2022.

Default Judgments

For the period 1 July 2022 – 31 December 2022 the rate has changed to 4.85% (Cash Rate of 0.85% + 4%)

Money Orders

For the period 1 July 2022 – 31 December 2022 the rate has changed to 6.85% (Cash Rate of 0.85% + 6%)

Queensland Courts interest rates page

The Queensland Courts Website interest rates page has been updated.

District Court Practice Direction 4 of 2022 (PDF, 37.2 KB) -  Notice of change of name from 'The Personal Injury Lawyers' to 'TPIL Lawyers'

Supreme Court Practice Direction 14 of 2022 (PDF, 107.1 KB) - Notice of change of name from 'The Personal Injury Lawyers' to 'TPIL Lawyers'

Supreme Court Practice Direction 13 of 2022 (PDF, 80.2 KB) - Change of address for service for (Edgar & Wood Solicitors)

Supreme Court Practice Direction 12 of 2022 (PDF, 152.8 KB) applies to all applications made in the Trial Division, including bail applications.

Practice Directions 14 of 1999, 24 of 1999, 2 of 2001, 7 of 2001, 6 of 2004 and 3 of 2008 are repealed.

The Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court of Queensland are committed to ensuring that the Court is a safe and respectful workplace for all persons who are officers, employees, contractors and service providers of the Court.

To that end, the Judges individually and collectively are committed to adherence to the Supreme Court’s workplace conduct policy.

Read more (PDF, 176.1 KB)

The Family Lounge in Brisbane’s QEII Courts of Law is available for all court users to assist with parenting needs in quiet and private surroundings.

Located on level one, its facilities include a private area for feeding, kitchenette, baby-changing table and toilet amenities.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 11 of 2022 (PDF, 116.5 KB) - Change of address for service of the Office of the Official Solicitor to the Public Trustee of Queensland.

As a result of the Justice & Other Legislation Act 2021 amendments to the Oaths Act 1867, the following three updated forms have been approved by the President of the Childrens Court on 6 May 2022 for use under the Childrens Court Act 1992 from the date of their publication on the Queensland Courts’ website.

1. Adoption Act 2009 – Form 06 – Affidavit Template – Version 2;
2. Child Protection Act 1999 – Form 25 – Affidavit – Version 4;
3. Youth Justice Act 1992 - Form 34 – Application and Affidavit to vary a community based order (other than a conditional release order) by consent – Version 2

The above forms were first published on the Queensland Courts website on 13 May 2022.

Pursuant to rules 9A and 9B of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Rules 2014, Principal Registrar (Magistrates Courts) Approval 1 of 2022 (PDF, 128.8 KB) has been released approving domestic and family violence documents that may be electronically filed in Magistrates Courts. Further information can be found here.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 4 of 2022 (PDF, 1.3 MB) - Domestic and Family Violence

Supreme Court Practice Direction 10 of 2022 (PDF, 34.0 KB) - Change of address for service (RTN Law Pty Ltd)

Version 3 of the UCPR Form 59A – Request for a Consent Order of Registrar has been approved for use from 28 March 2022 and is available on the Forms Package.

This version of the form was first published on the Queensland Courts Website on 19 April 2022.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 9 of 2022 (PDF, 83.6 KB) - Change of address for service (Carter Capner Law)

Supreme Court Practice Direction 8 of 2022 (PDF, 75.9 KB) - Change of address for service (Accident Legal Pty Ltd)

Supreme Court Practice Direction 7 of 2022 (PDF, 84.6 KB) - Change of address for service (See Well Law)

Childrens Court (Magistrates Court) Practice Direction 3 of 2022 (PDF, 42.8 KB) - Repeal of Practice Direction 6 of 2021 COVID-19

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 2 of 2022 (PDF, 59.9 KB) - Designation of Court Holidays - Registry - 28 December 2022 to 6 January 2023

District Court Practice Direction 3 of 2022 (PDF, 21.3 KB) - Repeal of Practice Direction 12 of 2021 - COVID-19

Planning and Environment Practice Direction 2 of 2022 (PDF, 17.8 KB) - Repeal  of Practice Direction 1 of 2022 - COVID-19

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 1 of 2022 (PDF, 42.5 KB) - Repeal of Practice Direction 5 of 2021 - COVID-19

Supreme Court Practice Direction 6 of 2022 (PDF, 10.0 KB) - Repeal of Practice Direction 24 of 2021 - COVID-19

Practice Direction 1 of 2022 (PDF, 74.7 KB) - COVID -19

Supreme and District Courts Practice Direction 5 of 2022 (PDF, 42.8 KB) – COVID-19 - Excusal from jury service.

District Court Practice Direction 2 of 2022 (PDF, 44.5 KB) - Change of name and address for service (Leonardus Smits Lawyers to Murray Laws Pty Ltd)

Supreme Court Practice Direction 4 of 2022 (PDF, 108.8 KB) - Change of name and address for service (Leonardus Smits Lawyers to Murray Laws Pty Ltd)

Notice to the profession - resumption of jury trials (PDF, 69.4 KB)

District Court practice direction 1 of 2022 (PDF, 41.5 KB) - Change of name for service (Tucker & Cowen Solicitors to Cowen Schwarz Marschke Lawyers).

Supreme Court practice direction 3 of 2022 (PDF, 124.0 KB) - Change of name for service (Tucker & Cowen Solicitors to Cowen Schwarz Marschke Lawyers)

Supreme Court practice direction 2 of 2022 (PDF, 88.3 KB) - Change  of address for service (Sasha Legal)

Supreme Court of Queensland practice direction 1 of 2022 (PDF, 91.6 KB) - Change of address for service (BR Solicitors Pty Ltd)

There has not been a change to the Reserve Bank Rate (cash rate) the interest rate to be applied by registrars to default judgments and money orders from 1 January 2022.

Default judgments

For the period 1 January – 30 June 2022 the interest rate remains at 4.10% (cash rate of 0.10% + 4%).

Money orders

For the period 1 January – 30 June 2021 the interest rate remains at 6.10% (cash rate of 0.10% + 6%).

Queensland Courts Interest rates page

The Queensland Courts website Interest rates page and Interest calculator have been updated.

A new Supreme Court protocol for applications for judicial review (Parole Board of Queensland) will be effective from 4 January 2022.

Magistrates Court of Queensland Practice Direction 6 of 2021 - Covid-19 Court Arrangements is repealed.

Magistrates Court of Queensland Practice direction  5 of 2021 - Covid-19 - Court Arrangements repealed.

District Court Practice Direction 12 of 2021 (PDF, 268.6 KB) - COVID-19

Supreme Court Practice Direction 24 of 2021 (PDF, 265.5 KB) - COVID-19

Supreme Court Practice Direction 23 of 2021 (PDF, 87.8 KB) - Change of address for service (Bennett & Philp Lawyers)

Magistrates Court practice direction 1 of 2014 - Amended -  Clarify the permitted use of electronic devices and taking of photographs and video footage in courtrooms.

Magistrates Court practice direction 4 of 2021 - Facilitate the operation of the Queensland Intermediary Scheme (QIS) Pilot Program.

District Court practice direction 11 of 2021 (PDF, 40.1 KB) - Change of name for service (Perpetual Legal Services Pty Ltd changed to Perpetual Trustee Company Limited)

Supreme Court practice direction 22 of 2021 (PDF, 124.2 KB) - Change of address for service (Rouse Lawyers)

Supreme Court practice direction 21 of 2021 (PDF, 55.1 KB) -  Notice of change of name. Perpetual Legal Services Pty Ltd changed to Perpetual Trustee Company Limited.

Supreme Court practice direction 10 of 2020 (amended) (PDF, 45.6 KB) - Informal Wills/COVID-19

Version 6 of the DV Form DV04 (PDF, 258.9 KB) - Application to vary a domestic violence order has been approved for use from 21 September 2021 and is available on the Forms page.

This version of the form was first published on the Queensland Court website on 26 October 2021.

The Supreme Court of Queensland has issued a revised protocol for Applications for judicial review (Parole Board of Queensland) effective from 24 September 2021 until further notice. Read more>>

Supreme Court of Queensland Practice Direction 4 of 2020 (PDF, 193.7 KB) Case Flow Management - Civil Jurisdiction (Amended)

Supreme Court practice direction 20 of 2021 (PDF, 28.3 KB) -  Repeal of practice direction 15 of 2013

Supreme Court practice direction 19 of 2021 (PDF, 41.4 KB) - Change of address for service (Gilchrist Connell)

District Court practice direction 10 of 2021 (PDF, 40.2 KB) -  Repeal of practice direction 13 of 2013

Supreme Court of Queensland practice direction 18 of 2021 (PDF, 35.3 KB) -  Designation of court holidays

District Court Practice Direction 9 of 2021 (PDF, 24.4 KB) - Designation of court holidays registry - 20 December 2021 to 31 December 2021

District Court Practice Direction 8 of 2021 (PDF, 41.4 KB) - Change of name and address for service (ABF Legal change to Beck Legal Group)

Supreme Court of Queensland practice direction 17 of 2021 (PDF, 131.8 KB) - Change of name and address for service (ABF Legal to Beck Legal Group)

Coroners Court practice direction 1 of 2021 (PDF, 104.5 KB) - Electronic devices in courtrooms

Magistrate Court of Queensland practice direction 3 of 2021 (PDF, 93.0 KB) -  Protected counselling communications

District Court Practice Direction 7 of 2021 (PDF, 91.1 KB) - Intermediaries

District Court Practice Direction 6 of 2021 (PDF, 43.0 KB) - Change of name and address for service (CRH Law to HopgoodGanim Lawyers)

Supreme Court Practice Direction 16 of 2021 (PDF, 46.2 KB) - Change of name and address for service (CRH Law to HopgoodGanim Lawyers)

The Reserve Bank rate (cash rate) applied by registrars to default judgments and to money orders for the period commencing 1 July 2021 remains at 0.10%.

Default judgments

For the period 1 July – 31 December 2021 the interest rate remains at 4.10% (cash rate of 0.10% + 4%).

Money orders

For the period 1 July – 31 December 2021 the interest rate remains at 6.10% (cash rate of 0.10% + 6%).

Queensland Courts Interest rates page

The Queensland Courts website Interest rates page and Interest calculator have been updated.

The Governor in Council has approved an increase to court fees from 1 July 2021.

The new fees are contained in the Justice Legislation (Fees, Allowances and Other Amounts) Amendment Regulation 2021 and affect fees prescribed under the following regulations:

• Appeal Costs Fund Regulation 2010
• Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Regulation 2015
• Coroners Regulation 2015
• Criminal Practice (Fees) Regulation 2010
• Evidence Regulation 2007
• Jury Regulation 2017
• Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Regulation 2017
• Justices Regulation 2017
• Penalties and Sentences Regulation 2015
• Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Regulation 2019
• Recording of Evidence Regulation 2018
• Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019 (UCPR).

Supreme Court of Queensland practice direction 14 of 2021 (PDF, 42.2 KB) -  Change of address for service (Cochrane Leahy Litigation)

Practice direction 8 of 2014 (Amended) (PDF, 157.2 KB) -  Photography and electronic devices in court buildings

District Court Practice Direction 5 of 2021 (PDF, 85.8 KB) -  Protected Counselling Communications

Supreme Court Practice Direction 13 of 2021 (PDF, 40.0 KB) - Change of address for service (GRT Lawyers)

Parties and practitioners are advised that the Planning and Environment Court has released additional guidance in relation to appearances other than in person at the hearing of an application or review. Read more>>

District Court of Queensland Practice Direction 4 of 2021 (PDF, 42.3 KB) - Change of name and address for service (Brisbane Criminal Lawyers to Brisbane Criminal Lawyers Pty Ltd.)

Supreme Court Practice Direction 12 of 2021 (PDF, 41.6 KB) - Change of name and address for service (Brisbane Criminal Lawyers to Brisbane Criminal Lawyers Pty Ltd.)

An amended protocol for Applications will apply in the Brisbane Supreme Court from Wednesday 26 May 2021 until further notice. Read more>> (PDF, 132.1 KB)

Supreme Court Practice Direction 11 of 2021 (PDF, 39.4 KB) - Change of address for service (Queensland Probate)

Supreme Court Practice Direction 10 of 2021 (PDF, 39.9 KB) - Change of address for service (Aejis Legal)

Version 2 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 199  Form 131 - Application for reduction of fees by an Individual (DOC, 103.0 KB) has been approved for use from 12 April 2021 and is available on the Forms page.

This version of the form was first published on the Queensland Court website on 21 February 2020.

District Court of Queensland practice direction 3 of 2021 (PDF, 41.5 KB) - Change of name and address - From Bradshaw Pattison Lawyers to Bradshaw Lawyers.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 9 of 2021 (PDF, 45.1 KB) - Change of name and address for service - From Bradshaw Pattison Lawyers to Bradshaw Lawyers.

Supreme Court of Queensland Practice Direction 8 of 2021 (PDF, 39.3 KB) - Change of address for service (Nicholas Black Lawyers).

The updated issue of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act Benchbook (PDF, 3.7 MB), issue 8 has now been published.

Section 22 of the protoco (PDF, 141.1 KB)l has been updated to remove reference to the original death certificate. The original death certificate is to be exhibited to the original affidavit that is scanned and lodged in accordance with the protocol.

Supreme Court of Queensland Practice Direction 7 of 2021 (PDF, 38.6 KB) - Change of address for service (TCS Solicitors Pty Ltd, practising as Tucker & Cowen Solicitors)

District Court of Queensland Practice Direction 2 of 2021 (PDF, 94.3 KB) (PDF, 39.7 KB) -  Change of  name for service (from Moloney MacCallum Abdelshahied Lawyers) to Moloney MacCallum Lawyers

Supreme Court of Queensland Practice Direction 6 of 2021 (PDF, 36.6 KB) -  Change of  address for service (Axia Litigation Lawyers Pty Ltd)

Supreme Court Practice Direction 5 of 2021 (PDF, 38.0 KB) - Change of address for service (Kruger Law)

Supreme Court of Queensland Practice Direction 4 of 2021 (PDF, 46.6 KB) -  Change of  name for service (from Moloney MacCallum Abdelshahied Lawyers) to Moloney MacCallum Lawyers

Supreme Court of Queensland Practice Direction 3 of 2021 (PDF, 38.1 KB) - Change of name for service (from Quinn and Scattini Lawyers to Ryan Murdoch O'Regan Lawyers)

The Planning and Environment Court has amended the  Application in Pending Proceedings - Form 3 (Version 2) which is now available in pdf and Word formats on the Court’s Forms page.

Form 3 (version 2) has been approved for use from 1 March 2021 and was first published on the Queensland Court website on 1 March 2021.

Appellants/applicants are now required to include time estimates. This will assist registries to provide ‘not before’ times on daily law lists. The reference to a normal returnable time of 9.15am has been removed.

The Planning and Environment Court has also amended its 2021 court calendar. The new version reflects a change to the pre-callover review date for March.

Practice Direction 1 of 2021 - Notice of change of name (Quinn & Scattini Lawyers changed to Ryan Murdoch O'Regan Lawyers)

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 2 of 2021 (PDF, 51.6 KB) - Designation of Court holidays - Registry - 20 December 2021 - 31 December 2021

Supreme Court Practice Direction 2 of 2021 (PDF, 38.1 KB) - Change of address for service (Ellem Warren Lawyers)

Apply online for court listings in the Brisbane Supreme and District Courts

From 22 February 2021, practitioners can make online Applications to list hearings in the Brisbane Supreme and District Courts. Read more>>

Electronic lodgement of Applications for Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration

Legal practitioners can now go online to lodge Applications for Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration. Read more>>

Parties and practitioners are advised of the amended protocol for Applications in the Supreme Court effective on Monday 15 February. Read more>>

Online application to reschedule a court event now available for Childrens Court (Magistrate) Youth Justice matters

In Queensland, you must attend court on the date set by the court. If you need to change the date for any reason, you can apply online to reschedule your court event.

When you can apply online

Where a matter has a current listing date, a legal representative may apply electronically, where the consent of the other party has been obtained, using the online form for an order for:

1. A sentence date (including a short plea, lengthy plea or contested sentence)
2. An adjournment other than of a hearing
3. A date for a hearing of an application (including a bail application or a directions hearing)
4. A direction by the Court (including a direction for the provision of a brief of evidence).

You must apply at least two clear business days before the current listed date.

When you can’t apply online

You can’t apply online if:

• there are less than two business days to the date set by the court
• you want the matter adjourned to a different courthouse and there is no guilty plea being entered
• You are seeking an order for a pre-sentence report or mental health assessment,

If you don’t meet the requirements for applying online email the relevant registry https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/contacts/courthouses.

Deadline for applying online

You must apply by no later than 4pm two clear business days before the date set by the court.

Consent to apply

Before you apply, you must obtain the consent of the other party—either prosecution or defence—for the new date. Applications which have not obtained consent of the opposing party will not be considered.

How to apply online

Complete the online form explaining why you’re requesting the change or why your client cannot attend court on the set date.

Provide supporting documentation if possible. The application will be submitted to the relevant courthouse registry. All parties in the matter will receive an email confirmation, attaching a copy of the submitted application. For Childrens Court matters, this includes the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women.

What happens next

A Magistrate will consider your application and decide whether to grant the change.

All parties will be notified electronically of the Magistrate’s decision. If your application is refused, you must attend court on the date that was originally set.

Requirement to appear

Parties are required to appear in court unless ordered otherwise, subject to relevant Practice Directions or subsequent orders of the Court.

If your application for an adjournment is refused and you fail to appear on the set date, the matter will proceed in your absence. This could result in a warrant being issued for the defendant’s arrest if they do not attend court when are required to do so.

The Supreme Court has released a memorandum on 22 January 2021 regarding a checklist for contravention proceedings under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 1 of 2021 (PDF, 39.1 KB) - Change of address for service (Ellem Warren Lawyers)

Parties and practitioners are advised of an amended protocol for Corporations Registrar Applications effective from Wednesday, 20 January 2021, until further notice