News

Cairns practitioners and interested stakeholders are invited to a workshop to mark the upcoming fifth anniversary of the Queensland Intermediary Scheme (QIS) hosted by Judge Morzone KC and the QIS Program Team on 18 March 2026 in Cairns Courthouse. Registrations are essential: https://events.humanitix.com/queensland-intermediary-scheme-information-session-cairns

The Chief Magistrate has issued Practice Direction 2 of 2026 (PDF, 209.9 KB) which facilitates the process for a person who is not a party to a proceeding to apply to the court for an order permitting inspection of documents filed in a civil proceeding.

The Chief Magistrate has issued Practice Direction 1 of 2026 (PDF, 73.9 KB) which designates the 2026/27 court holiday closure period from 25 December 2026 to 1 January 2027.

Version 1 of the following Court forms have been approved for use from 01/01/2026 and are available on the Forms page:

• DV59A – Application for Court Review of Police Protection Direction (PDF, 385.4 KB)
• DV59B – PPD Respondent Application for Protection Order (PDF, 513.6 KB)
• DV59C – Guide – Application for Court Review of Police Protection Direction (PDF, 255.7 KB)

New versions of the following forms have also been approved for use from 01/01/2026:

• DV01 – Application for a Protection Order (PDF, 254.4 KB)
• DV01A – Guide to completing an application for protection order (PDF, 511.5 KB)
• DV01C – Confidential Address Form (PDF, 64.7 KB)
• DV4 – Application to vary a Protection Order (PDF, 244.4 KB)
• DV4A – Application to vary a Recognised Interstate Order (DOCX, 173.8 KB)
• DV14A – Application to Register New Zealand order in Queensland (DOCX, 364.3 KB)
• DV21A – Statement of Police Service (DOCX, 57.7 KB)
• DV21B – Corrective Service Statement of Service (DOCX, 31.7 KB)

The versions of these forms were first published on the Queensland Courts website on 19 December 2025.

The Acting Chief Magistrate has issued an amended Magistrates Court Practice Direction 10 of 2024 (PDF, 280.1 KB) in relation to the DNA Affected Case Callover for cases in Brisbane and surrounding areas only. The amendment rectifies a small typographical error and does not affect the substance of the Practice Direction.

President Stilgoe OAM has issued Land Court Practice Direction 5 of 2025 - Non-Party requests to inspect or copy documents filed in a proceeding (PDF, 226.9 KB), which facilitates the process for a person who is not a party to a proceeding (a non-party) to apply to the court for an order permitting inspection of documents filed in a Land Court proceeding.

The Court has also issued a new form, Form 31 - Application by Non-Party to inspect or copy documents (DOCX, 111.9 KB).

The Chief Judge has issued District Court Practice Direction 13 of 2025 (PDF, 132.7 KB), which facilitates the process for a person who is not a party to a proceeding (a non-party) to apply to the court for an order permitting inspection of documents filed in a civil proceeding.

Please also refer to the amended Principal Registrar Approval 1 of 2025 (PDF, 201.4 KB) about electronic filing of documents under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999. The amendment relates to Applications for order permitting inspection of particular documents filed in proceedings pursuant to r 975I.

The Criminal Practice Seminar conducted on 25 November 2025 examined:

• The recently amended Supreme Court Practice Direction 14 of 2024 (PDF, 251.6 KB), dealing with expert evidence in criminal proceedings; and
• A new procedure for all bail and dangerous prisoner applications in the Supreme Court – Supreme Court Practice Direction 6 of 2025 (PDF, 176.4 KB).

Given PD 14 of 2024 applies to indictments presented on or after 15 July 2024, its operation is now coming into full effect.

The new procedure for bail and dangerous prisoner applications will commence on 27 January 2026.

Watch the 25 November 2026 seminar – Expert Evidence and Bail Applications in the Supreme Court

Watch the 19 June 2024 seminar – A New Regime for Expert Evidence in Supreme Court Criminal Proceedings

The Chief Justice has issued Supreme Court Practice Direction 7 of 2025 (PDF, 163.4 KB), which facilitates the process for a person who is not a party to a proceeding (a non-party) to apply to the court for an order permitting inspection of documents filed in a civil proceeding.

Please also refer to the amended Principal Registrar Approval 1 of 2025 (PDF, 201.4 KB) about electronic filing of documents under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999. The amendment relates to Applications for order permitting inspection of particular documents filed in proceedings pursuant to r 975I.

The Chief Justice has released Practice Direction 6 of 2025 (PDF, 176.4 KB) which outlines the practice and procedure to be adopted for the preparation, filing and hearing of applications under the Bail Act 1980 (Qld) in the Supreme Court of Queensland at Brisbane.

The Robing Policy (PDF, 190.3 KB) has been updated with new information for the Land Court and Land Appeal Court.

Version 2 of Form 1 - Notice to the Attorney-General and/or the Queensland Human Rights Commission under the Human Rights Act 2019 and Form 2 - Notice that the Supreme Court is considering making a declaration of incompatibility under the Human Rights Act 2019 have been approved for use from 14 October.
These versions of the forms have been published on the Queensland Courts website on 15 October 2025 and are available on the Forms page.

The Chief Judge has released Planning and Environment Court Practice Direction 7 of 2025 (PDF, 136.6 KB), which addresses the risk of using artificial intelligence as a tool in the conduct of litigation. Please also refer to The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines for Responsible Use by Non-Lawyers (PDF, 312.3 KB).

The Chief Judge has released District Court Practice Direction 12 of 2025 (PDF, 142.9 KB), which addresses the risk of using artificial intelligence as a tool in the conduct of litigation. Please also refer to The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines for Responsible Use by Non-Lawyers (PDF, 312.3 KB).

The Chief Justice has released Supreme Court Practice Direction 5 of 2025 (PDF, 216.3 KB), which addresses the risk of using artificial intelligence as a tool in the conduct of litigation. Please also refer to The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines for Responsible Use by Non-Lawyers (PDF, 312.3 KB).

The Chief Magistrate has issued Practice Direction 11 of 2025 (PDF, 76.2 KB) regarding the closure of the Beaudesert Magistrates Court at 8 William Street, Beaudesert on and from 19 September 2025 to facilitate the move to a new location at 29a Anna Street, Beaudesert. The courthouse will reopen at this new address on and from 22 September 2025.

The Chief Judge has issued an amended Planning and Environment Court Practice Direction 6 of 2014 (PDF, 8.5 MB) regarding electronic devices in courtrooms and hearings.

The Chief Judge has released Planning and Environment Court Practice Direction 6 of 2025 (PDF, 1.1 MB) repealing Practice Directions.

The Chief Judge has released District Court Practice Direction 11 of 2025 (PDF, 1.3 MB) regarding the repeal of Practice Directions and a new "calculation of interest" tab for Practice Directions relating to Interest on Default Judgments and Interest Rates.

The Chief Judge  has issued an amended District Court Practice Direction 10  of 2014  (PDF, 4.0 KB) regarding electronic devices in courtrooms and hearings.

The new version Form 109 - Affidavit (letters of administration on intestacy) (DOCX, 29.0 KB) has been approved for use from 12 September 2025 under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999.

The form has been published on the Queensland Courts website on 16 September 2025 and is available on the Forms page.

Queensland courts and tribunals have prepared detailed information about Generative AI to assist judicial officers The use of Generative AI: Guidelines for judicial officers (PDF, 246.2 KB) and non-lawyers (including self-represented litigants, McKenzie friends and lay advocates) who represent themselves or others The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): Guidelines for responsible use by non-lawyers (PDF, 303.1 KB) (updated 15 September 2025).

As a result of the Justice & Other Legislation Act 2023 amendments to the Oaths Act 1867, the following updated forms have been approved for use from 9 September 2025:

Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012

• Form DV01 - Application for protection order (PDF, 254.4 KB)
• Form DV04 - Application to vary a domestic violence order (PDF, 244.4 KB)
• Form DV4A - Application to vary a recognised interstate order (DOCX, 173.8 KB)
• Form DV09 - Application to vary or revoke an intervention order (PDF, 214.8 KB)
• Form DV14A - Application to register New Zealand order in Queensland (DOCX, 364.3 KB)
• Form DV16 -  Application to vary or revoke the registration of an interstate order (PDF, 208.9 KB)
• Form DV16A - Application to vary or revoke the registration of a New Zealand order (DOCX, 167.2 KB)
• Form DV21 - Affidavit of person service (DOCX, 30.5 KB)
• Form DV25 - Affidavit (DOCX, 38.7 KB)
• Form DV35 - Application for declaration of a DVO to be a recognised interstate order (DOCX, 362.2 KB)
• Form DV38 - Application for substituted service order (PDF, 232.8 KB)
• Form DV39  - Affidavit of attempted personal service (PDF, 193.9 KB)

Bail Act 1980

• BA11 - Affidavit of justification (DOCX, 32.7 KB)

The forms have been published on the Queensland Courts website on 12 September 2025 and are available on the Forms page.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 8 of 2014 (PDF, 188.8 KB) has been amended to update definitions found in s4(b) and s4(d).

Supreme Court Practice Direction 14 of 2024 (PDF, 251.6 KB) has been amended to require experts to disclose the use of Generative AI in formulating or expressing opinions in their reports.

A new version of Form 02 - Warrant in the first instance to apprehend a person charged with an indictable offence or a simple offence (DOC, 28.5 KB) has been approved for use from 2 September 2025.
The form has been published on the Queensland Courts website on 8 September 2025 and is available on the Forms page.

Version 1 of the following Court forms have been approved for use from 31 August 2025 and are available on the Forms page:

• Form CC1 Notice of Prosecution of Corruption Offence Commenced Pursuant to section 49B (DOCX, 32.5 KB)
• Form CC2 Notice of Prosecution of Corruption Offence Commenced Pursuant to section 49C (DOCX, 22.7 KB)

The versions of these forms were first published on the Queensland Courts website on 31 August 2025.

As a result of the Justice & Other Legislation Act 2023 amendments to the Oaths Act 1867, the following updated forms have been approved for use from 28 July 2025 under the Childrens Court Act 1992:

Adoption Act 2009

• Form 06 - Affidavit template (DOCX, 31.3 KB)

Childrens Court Act 1992

• Form 25 - Affidavit (DOCX, 41.5 KB)

Youth Justice Act 1992

• Form 34 - Application and affidavit to vary a community based order (other than a conditional release order) by consent (DOCX, 29.4 KB)

The forms have been published on the Queensland Courts website on 28 July 2025 and are available on the Forms page.

Queensland Courts and Tribunals has updated the Guideline for Working with Interpreters (PDF, 285.3 KB) which identifies the parts of the Recommended National Standards which are adopted and implemented by Queensland Courts and Tribunals, and clarifies the obligations of courts and tribunals, judicial officers, interpreters, legal practitioners and parties when working with interpreters.

The Chief Judge has released Practice Direction 9 of 2025 (PDF, 22.3 KB), which adds Judge Grigg as a Commercial List Judge, amending paragraph 4 of District Court Practice Direction 8 of 2025 (PDF, 92.4 KB).

The Chief Magistrate has issued Practice Direction 4 of 2022 (PDF, 1.3 MB) which has been amended to include s.161A of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 application by accredited media entity for a copy of transcript of proceeding for an application for a domestic violence order (see paragraphs 73 – 78), and Annexure A to include recording of evidence in chief.

Version 1 of the following Court forms have been approved for use from 26/05/2025 and are available on the Forms page:

• Form DV48 Suitability Assessment Report (DOC, 33.5 KB)
• Form DV49 Notice of Failure to Report for Suitability Assessment (DOCX, 19.8 KB)
• Form DV51 Application to Vary or Revoke a Diversion Order (DOC, 85.0 KB)
• Form DV53 Notice of Contravention of a Diversion Order (DOCX, 20.6 KB)
• Form DV54 Notice of Completion of an Approved Diversion Program or Counselling (DOC, 31.5 KB)
• Form DV56 Application by AME for a copy of a transcript of proceeding for application for a DVO (DOCX, 31.8 KB)

New versions of the following forms have also been approved for use from 26/05/2025:

• Form DV01: Application for a Protection Order (version 5) (PDF) (PDF, 254.4 KB) or (DOCX) (DOCX, 192.4 KB)
• Form DV01A: Guide to Completing an Application for a Protection Order (version 4) (PDF, 511.5 KB)

The versions of these forms were first published on the Queensland Courts website on 26 May 2025.

Updated editions of the Domestic and family violence media guide and Sexual violence media guide have been published to support journalists to report on domestic, family and sexual violence in Queensland.

The media guides provide journalists and editors with advice on trauma-informed approaches to reporting, relevant statistics, practical reporting tips and legal considerations, including covering matters before the courts.

The content has been revised to include new laws and processes impacting media reporting which commence on 26 May 2025. A new tip sheet is also available.

Find the updated guides at www.qld.gov.au/DFVmediaguide and www.qld.gov.au/SVmediaguide or read the new tip sheet.

The following Practice Directions have been released by the Chief Magistrate to support the legislative amendments Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024:

• Practice Direction 10 of 2025 (PDF, 1.1 MB) – Evidence Act 1977 Part 6C – Limits on publishing information in relation to sexual offences – Division 3 – Publishing identifying matter in relation to defendants – Division 4 – Complainant privacy orders.
  • This Practice Direction accommodates the inclusion of applications for non-publication orders for pre-committal sexual offences and the new complainant privacy orders.  It also repeals PD 4 of 2023 – Non-publication orders – Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1978.
• Amended Practice Direction 1 of 2025 (PDF, 825.9 KB) – Summary proceedings for domestic violence offence – Brisbane Magistrates Court

As a result of the Justice & Other Legislation Act 2023 amendments to the Oaths Act 1867, the following updated forms have been approved for use from 12 May 2025 under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 and the Criminal Practice Rules 1999:

Criminal Practice Rules 1999:

Form 11 - Affidavit - Version 5 (DOCX, 29.5 KB)
Form 45 - Affidavit of Service - Version 4 (DOCX, 27.8 KB)

Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999:

Form 46 - Affidavit - Version 3 (DOCX, 31.2 KB)
Form 51 - Affidavit (payment into court) - Version 3 (DOCX, 31.8 KB)
Form 71 - Statement of financial position - Version 5 (DOCX, 62.8 KB)
Form 71A - Statement of financial position - Version 3 (DOCX, 54.2 KB)
Form 74 - Statement in support - Version 3 (DOCX, 31.4 KB)
Form 104 - Affidavit of publication - Version 5 (DOCX, 29.3 KB)
Form 105 - Affidavit (probate application) - Version 8 (DOCX, 31.1 KB)
Form 106 - Affidavit (letters of administration with will) - Version 6 (DOCX, 29.1 KB)
Form 107 - Affidavit of due execution of will/codicil - Version 4 (DOCX, 30.1 KB)
Form 108 - Affidavit of handwriting - Version 4 (DOCX, 28.6 KB)
Form 109 - Affidavit (letters of administration on intestacy) - Version 6 (DOCX, 29.0 KB)
Form 110 - Affidavit (undated will) - Version 4 (DOCX, 27.8 KB)
Form 111 - Affidavit of plight - Version 4 (DOCX, 30.1 KB)
Form 113 - Affidavit (reseal) - Version 3 (DOCX, 27.4 KB)
Form 120 - Affidavit of scripts - Version 3 (DOCX, 29.1 KB)

The forms have been published on the Queensland Courts website on 22 May 2025 and are available on the Forms page.

Two court forms have been removed:

CPR – Form 001B - Special witness jurat for affidavits
UCPR – Form 001A - Special witness jurat for affidavits.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 12 of 2022 (PDF, 194.5 KB) regarding Applications has been amended.

The Chief Judge has released Practice Direction 8 of 2025 (PDF, 92.4 KB) for the administration of the District Court Commercial List. This practice direction repeals PD 11 of 2020, PD 13 of 2022 and PD 6 of 2023.

The Chief Judge has released Practice Direction 7 of 2025 (PDF, 66.6 KB) which applies to the citation of authorities in all proceedings in the District Court.

The Chief Judge has released Practice Direction 4 of 2025 (PDF, 68.4 KB) which applies to the citation of authorities in all proceedings in the Planning and Environment Court.

Queensland Courts and Tribunals are committed to advancing digital technologies and enhancing their services through digitisation.

As part of that commitment, from Monday, 30 June 2025, the Queensland Courts and Tribunals Online Services Portal (OSP) will be expanded to include eLodgements for civil claims in the Brisbane Supreme Court.

This will enable legal practitioners to prepare and lodge a Form 2 Claim (and supporting documents) via the OSP for the duration of a claim proceeding.

What’s changing?

From 30 June 2025, the Queensland Courts and Tribunals Online Services Portal will be expanded to include the ability for legal practitioners to prepare and lodge initiating and non-initiating documents relating to Brisbane civil claim proceedings for the duration of a claim proceeding.

Practitioners will also be able to register and lodge documents via the Online Services Portal for civil claim matters which commenced prior to 30 June 2025, regardless of whether the claim was initiated over the counter or by mail.

Practitioners will receive an email confirming lodgement of their materials with a temporary reference number. They can then view lodged materials via the Supreme Court Claims dashboard on the OSP.

Documents lodged electronically after normal Brisbane Supreme Court registry business hours (8:30am – 4:30pm) will be filed the next business day.

Processes for urgent after hours filing remain unchanged.

Documents lodged via the OSP but intended for another jurisdiction or court location outside of Brisbane Supreme Court will not be actioned by the Brisbane Supreme Court registry.

eLodgement capability for all civil originating processes and appeals in Queensland, for all court users, will follow in June 2026 as part of the new civil case management system.

What this means for you?

From Monday, 30 June 2025 legal practitioners will have the ability to electronically lodge civil claims for the Brisbane Supreme Court or continue to lodge them either over the registry counter or via mail.

You will need a Digital Identity (MyID or QDI) to log into the OSP, which verifies who you are.

Training and support resources including two webinars will be advertised shortly through the Queensland Law Society Proctor. We recommend attending to help facilitate a smooth transition to the eLodgement service.

The Chief Judge has released Planning and Environment Court Practice Direction 3 of 2025 (PDF, 120.0 KB) which provides additional case management procedures for the just and expeditious resolution of merits appeals about residential uses and/or subdivision of land for residential purposes in the Brisbane registry of the Court.

Your law library’s latest legal heritage display showcases our series of historic catalogues and indexes, now officially recognised as a rich and significant documentary heritage by UNESCO's Australian Memory of the World program.

Weekdays, 8.30am to 4.30pm
SCLQ, Level 12, QEII Courts of Law
Free entry
www.sclqld.org.au/unesco-series

Queensland Digital Identity (QDI) is replacing the QGov, that is used to log in to Queensland online services.

What’s changing?

From Sunday 6 April 2025, when you log in to Queensland Government online services using a QGov account, you will be using a Queensland Digital Identity (QDI) instead.

Your account will automatically change to a QDI account.

On your next log in after this date, you will be required to setup multi-factor authentication (MFA) as additional security for your account. Each time you use your QDI email address and password to log in, you will receive a code to your mobile device.

QDI will be used to access Queensland Courts and Tribunal systems such as:

• QCase,
• QTranscripts,
• DFV Live List,
• Legal Practitioner Portal (Registry Committals) and the
• Queensland Courts and Tribunals Online Services Portal (Wills and Estates).

What this means for you

Do not close any QGov accounts that you currently use for Queensland Courts and Tribunals systems

If you close your QGov accounts you will lose access to case information or data that you may have accessed with each QGov account you have.

We will continue to provide updates via the Queensland Courts Website.

Free exhibition—open to the public
3 February 2025 to 31 December 2026
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre
Ground floor, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law

We, the jury explores the different aspects of jury service, how it allows an individual to exercise their representative democratic rights and contribute directly to the delivery of justice.

The display provides details around jury service, the jury system and highlights a case study of women’s journeys to greater equality in this civic forum for the past 100 years. It also encourages visitors to consider the future of representation and democracy for jury systems and how it could further accommodate diversity, specifically around representation for First Nations people and people living with a disability.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 8 of 2017 (PDF, 161.7 KB) regarding Court Link has been amended.

Practice Direction 5 of 2025 (PDF, 74.9 KB) has been issued by the Chief Magistrate, and details the conduct of matters in the Court Link list in the Brisbane Magistrates Court from 21 February 2025.

The Chief Magistrate has issued Practice Direction 4 of 2025 (PDF, 37.4 KB) which designates the 2025/2026 court holiday closure period from 25 December 2025 to 2 January 2026.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 1 of 2025 (PDF, 825.9 KB) applies to all summary proceedings under the Justices Act 1886 for a Domestic Violence Offence in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

From 24 January a summary callover list ("Summary DV List") will manage all summary DV offences in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

The Acting Chief Magistrate has released Practice Direction 11 of 2024 (PDF, 281.2 KB) which establishes a Sexual Assault Offence Callover in the Brisbane Magistrates Court to effectively case manage and facilitate procedural consistency in sexual assault cases.

The Acting Chief Magistrate has released Practice Direction 10 of 2024 (PDF, 280.1 KB) which establishes a DNA Affected Case Callover for cases in the Brisbane and surrounding areas only.

A/Chief Magistrate Gett has issued Practice Direction 2 of 2024 (PDF, 305.4 KB) which repeals 1 of 2024 regarding amendments made to section 20 of the Childrens Court Act 1992 ("the Act") by section 112 of the Queensland Community Safety Act 2024.

Effective immediately, payments by way of American Express (Amex) will no longer be accepted at Queensland Courts registries. This change results from the Queensland Government’s recently concluded banking procurement process and aligns with the new whole-of-government banking services contracts.

The Queensland Government Banking Services (QGBS) Procurement Project, initiated in late 2021, has delivered new contractual arrangements for the State's banking services.

This whole-of-government decision means that customers will no longer be able to use Amex for payments at Queensland Courts. All affected systems are being updated to reflect this change.

The Chief Magistrate has issued Practice Direction 9 of 2024 (PDF, 85.8 KB) regarding the reopening  of the Mossman Magistrates Court Registry. This repeals Practice Direction 13 of 2023 and Practice Direction 3 of 2024.

The Chief Magistrate has issued Practice Direction 8 of 2024 (PDF, 79.1 KB) regarding the temporary closure of Beenleigh Magistrates Court on the 9 October 2024.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 3 of 2021 (PDF, 217.9 KB) regarding Protected Counselling Communications has been amended.

The forms under the Property Law Act of 2023 have been approved for use from 1 August 2025 and are available on the Forms page.

The Forms are as follows:

• Form 1 - Notice of default under instalment contract
• Form 2 - Seller disclosure statement
• Form 3 - Notice of exercise of power of sale
• Form 4 - Notice of intention to exercise power of sale for disclaimed property
• Form 5 - Notice of sale by mortgagee
• Form 6 - Appointment of receiver
• Form 7 - Notice to remedy breach
• Form 8 - Breach notice - Intention to refuse to renew, or extend the term of, or sell the reversion of, a lease
• Form 9 - Notice to terminate lease

Version 1 of these forms were first published on 26 September 2024.

Supreme Court Library Queensland
Level 12, Queen Elizabeth Courts of Law
Weekdays, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Free entry, open to the public

Our latest legal heritage display illustrates the evolution of the practice of shorthand and highlights the progression of its use in the courtroom. The display showcases an intriguing array of historical stenograph machines and a selection of classic literary works transcribed into shorthand.

https://www.sclqld.org.au/services/public-programs/exhibitions/the-shorthand-of-the-law-stenography-selections-from-the-legal-heritage-collection

Version 3 of Form 131 (DOC, 104.5 KB) Application for Reduction of Fees by an Individual has been approved for use from 2 September 2024 and is available on the Forms page.

This version was first published on 12 September 2024.

Version 4 of Form 30 (DOC, 43.5 KB) Notice of abandonment of appeal (Criminal Practice Rules 1999) has been approved for use from 4 September 2024 and is available on the Forms page.

This version was first published on 4 September 2024.

Version 1 of Form 26a (DOC, 57.5 KB) Application for leave to make a subsequent appeal (Criminal Practice Rules 1999) has been approved for use from 4 September 2024 and is available on the Forms page.

This version was first published on 4 September 2024.

The Chief Magistrate has issued Magistrates (Childrens) Court Practice Direction 1 of 2024 (PDF, 359.2 KB) regarding Applications for exclusion orders, and sets out the standard procedure for applying for an exclusion order in the Magistrates (Childrens) Court jurisdiction.

To support practitioners in preparing for a new approach to sexual violence offence proceedings in the District Court on 2 September 2024, the Court held an information session on 15 August 2024 in Brisbane. Watch this seminar and refer to the sexual violence case management webpage.

The Chief Judge has issued Practice Direction 3 of 2024 (PDF, 389.1 KB) and accompanying information notice (PDF, 1007.6 KB). This will include a Sexual Violence Case Management Pilot in both the Brisbane and Ipswich District Courts.

Sexual violence case management is expected to minimise delay in the Court process, provide greater certainty to all Court users, and reduce the potential for re-traumatisation of witnesses.

The Chief Judge has issued Practice Direction 3 of 2024 (PDF, 389.1 KB) and accompanying information notice (PDF, 1007.6 KB) introducing a new approach to sexual violence offence proceedings in the District Court of Queensland in accordance with best practice principles.

This will include a Sexual Violence Case Management Pilot in both the Brisbane and Ipswich District Courts.

Sexual violence case management is expected to minimise delay in the Court process, provide greater certainty to all Court users, and reduce the potential for re-traumatisation of witnesses.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 11 of 2023 (PDF, 149.3 KB) regarding Consent Orders of the Registrar has been amended.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 3 of 2015 (PDF, 106.4 KB) has been amended, with updates made to paragraphs 3 and 4 mean outlining changes to the video and audio link arrangements for the relevant courts.

District Court reserved judgments protocol.

Supreme Court reserved judgments protocol.

The Chief Magistrate has issued amended Practice Direction 1 of 2014 (PDF, 484.9 KB) relating to photography and electronic devices in courtrooms. This practice direction complements and should be read in conjunction with Supreme Court Amended Practice Direction 8 of 2014 (PDF, 188.8 KB).

District Court Practice Direction 10 of 2014 (PDF, 4.0 MB) regarding electronic devices in courtrooms has been amended.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 8 of 2014 (PDF, 188.8 KB) regarding Photography and Electronic Devices in Court Buildings has been amended.

The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 14 of 2024 (PDF, 251.6 KB) with the accompanying information notice (PDF, 94.6 KB), effective 15 July 2024.

An information session in relation to ‘A New Regime for Expert Evidence in Supreme Court Criminal Proceedings’ was held on 19 June 2024.  Watch this session.

The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 17 of 2024 (PDF, 110.2 KB) designating registry summer closure dates for 2024-2025.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 18 of 2018 (PDF, 191.0 KB) regarding efficient conduct of civil litigation has been amended.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 9 of 2023 (PDF, 163.2 KB) regarding caseflow management for the civil jurisdiction has been amended.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 14 of 2023 (PDF, 228.5 KB) - Wills and estates list has been amended.

The Chief Magistrate has issued Practice Direction 7 of 2024 (PDF, 81.6 KB) regarding Citation of Authority, which repeals Practice Direction 19 of 2013.

The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 16 of 2024 (PDF, 134.5 KB) in relation to protected counselling communications. This repeals Supreme Court Practice Direction 15 of 2021.

To enhance the efficient conduct of civil litigation, the Supreme Court of Queensland has developed draft case management direction templates (DOCX, 97.3 KB) for parties to adapt to the needs of a particular case.

These templates should be used in conjunction with Practice Direction 18 of 2018 (PDF, 191.0 KB) and will assist with the development of a Document Management Plan, a List of Issues and a Trial Plan.

District Court Practice Direction 5 of 2021 (PDF, 681.8 KB) regarding protected counselling communications has been amended.

Supreme Court Library Queensland (SCLQ) is pleased to announce its Cairns library has now reopened to legal practitioners.

Located on level 3 of the Court Complex in Cairns CBD, the library boasts a wide range of resources to assist with your legal research, including key legal texts, journals and reference materials across many areas of law.

To access the library, customers must first request access in person at the Cairns registry. (Existing access card holders still have access.)

For more information, including about library facilities and staffed hours, go to sclqld.org.au/visit.

If you are considering using Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prepare court or tribunal documents, it is important for you to understand how AI tools work and how their use may cause issues in your case. Refer to the Queensland courts and tribunal guidelines for responsible use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (PDF, 312.3 KB) for non-lawyers.

Mental Health Court Practice Direction 1 of 2024 (PDF, 66.2 KB) - Previous assisting physchiatrsit reporting to the Mental Health Court has been released.

The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 15 of 2024 in relation to application for admission as a lawyer in accordance with the mutual recognition principle.

Read the Practice Direction in conjunction with the accompanying guideline.

District Court Practice Direction 2 of 2024   (PDF, 54.4 KB) has been issued to provide guidance to barristers on Direct Access Briefs.

The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 14 of 2024 (PDF, 251.6 KB) in relation to Expert Evidence in Criminal Proceedings in the Supreme Court (other than sentences), effective 15 July 2024.

Read the Practice Direction in conjunction with the accompanying information notice (PDF, 94.6 KB).

Magistrates Court Practice Directions 6 of 2024 (PDF, 110.0 KB) (Direct Access Briefs) has been issued.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 13 of 2024 (PDF, 149.2 KB) regards direct access briefs accepted by barristers, and repeals Practice Direction 20 of 2012 (PDF, 24.0 KB).

Magistrates Court Practice Directions 4 of 2024 (QCase implementation in civil proceedings) (PDF, 171.7 KB) and 5 of 2024 (Applications) (PDF, 222.8 KB) have been issued. The Principal Registrar (Magistrates Courts) Approval 1 of 2024 (PDF, 189.0 KB) complements these PDs.

Magistrates Court Practice Direction 3 of 2024 (PDF, 74.0 KB) has been amended to outline arrangements for Mossman registry from the 10 April 2024.

The Planning and Environment Court Practice Direction 4 of 2023 (PDF, 433.9 KB) has been amended

Practice Direction 1 of 2014 (PDF, 484.9 KB) regarding Photography and Electronic Devices in Courtrooms has been amended, and is to be read with Supreme Court Amended Practice Direction 8 of 2014 (PDF, 188.8 KB).

The Queensland Law Reporter is an approved publication in which notice of intention to apply for a grant may be published. Refer to Practice Direction 9 of 2024 (PDF, 118.5 KB).

The Supreme Court has issued Practice Direction 12 of 2024 (PDF, 52.7 KB) regarding excusals from jury service.

The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 11 of 2024 (PDF, 56.1 KB) detailing the registrar’s power to constitute the court to hear and decide applications for an extension of time within which to object to an item in a costs statement.

The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 10 of 2024 (PDF, 57.3 KB) detailing the registrar’s power to constitute the court to hear and decide applications where a will has been attested by only one witness.

The Queensland Law Reporter is an approved publication in which notice of intention to apply for admission to the legal profession may be published. Refer to Practice Direction 8 of 2024 (PDF, 21.1 KB).

The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 7 of 2024 (PDF, 136.6 KB) setting out the process for setting trial dates for civil proceedings to be heard in the Supreme Court at Brisbane.

The Chief Justice has repealed 61 Supreme Court practice directions. Refer to the full list in Practice Direction 6 of 2024 (PDF, 91.2 KB).

Amended Practice Direction 8 of 2014 (PDF, 188.8 KB) clarifies the permitted use of electronic devices and taking of photographs in court buildings.

The Supreme Court has issued Practice Direction 4 of 2024 (PDF, 226.0 KB) in relation to some aspects of criminal proceedings in the Supreme Court, and Practice Direction 5 of 2024 (PDF, 273.7 KB), in relation to the Supreme Court’s Criminal List in Brisbane.

The Practice Direction in relation to the Criminal List will commence operation on 28 February 2024 (although the forms and draft orders electronically provided for in the Practice Direction are able to be used immediately).

Watch the information session presented by Justice Peter Callaghan and Ms Bronwyn Currie, Criminal Resolution Registrar.

Amendments have been made (PDF, 105.9 KB) to the Supreme Court (Admission) Rules 2004 effective 1 May 2024.

Practitioners are reminded that the Supreme Court’s Practice Direction Number 2 of 2024, in relation to the Building, Engineering and Construction List (PDF, 122.8 KB), commences operation on 4 March 2024.  The judges assigned to conduct and manage matters on the BEC List are Justice Williams and Justice Sullivan.  Any enquiries in relation to the BEC List may be directed to the BEC List Manager or to the associates to the BEC List Judges.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 5 of 2024 (PDF, 273.7 KB) has been published and is to facilitate the resolution of criminal proceedings, by setting out the procedures to be adopted of all matters on the Criminal List.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 4 of 2024 (PDF, 226.0 KB) has been published and outlines the court procedures applicable to some aspects of criminal proceedings in the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has established a Building, Engineering and Construction List to improve the conduct of large and complex litigation in relation to building, engineering and construction issues: Supreme Court Practice Direction 2 of 2024 (PDF, 122.8 KB)

The Chief Justice has issued Practice Direction 1 of 2024   (PDF, 89.5 KB) that applies to the citation of authorities in all proceedings in the Supreme Court Trial Division and in the Court of Appeal. It repeals Practice Direction 16 of 2013.