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The Supreme Court of Queensland has today issued a new Practice Direction 8 of 2023 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.

Selden Society 2023 lecture series: lecture one

Mr Justice Harding—a titan of Queensland law

Presented by John McKenna KC

Thursday 23 March 2023
5.15pm for 5.30pm
Banco Court, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law

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

George Rogers Harding (1838–1895) was the 5th Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland.  He is most widely known for three aspects of his life. First, he is regarded as one of Queensland’s finest civil lawyers, whose rigorous analytical approach helped to establish the reputation of the Supreme Court.  Secondly, he is remembered for his remarkable fortitude. Overcoming great pain, he insisted upon completing a long civil jury trial, before eventually dying in his chambers. This noble end to a life of public service, provided the inspiration for the first judicial portrait to be commissioned and installed in the Supreme Court. Thirdly, he is known as one of Queensland’s most influential bibliophiles.  As well as writing some of Queensland’s first legal texts, Harding was instrumental in developing a fine collection for the Supreme Court Library. After his death, his extensive personal library provided the foundation for what became the State Library of Queensland.

This Selden Society lecture will examine Harding’s personal and professional life and legacy—together with the developing legal community in which he lived and worked in the late 19th century.

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:

Image: The Honourable Mr Justice George Rogers Harding, n.d., Richard Godfrey Rivers

An image of Justice Harding in a red and white robe wearing his bench wig

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.

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

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.

Criminal Law: Then-now-tomorrow

The new Supreme Court Practice Direction 1 of 2023 (PDF, 165.2 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, 14.0 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.

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 January, 2023. The new rate is 3.10%

Default Judgments

For the period 1 January – 30 June 2023 the rate has changed to 7.10% (Cash Rate of 3.10% + 4%)

Money Orders

For the period 1 January – 30 June 2023 the rate has changed to 9.10% (Cash Rate of 3.10% + 6%)

Queensland Courts interest rates page

The Queensland Courts Website interest rates page has been updated.

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.

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'.

Sir Frederick Jordan: Australia’s most influential judge?

The Hon Keith Mason AC KC

Thursday 3 November
5.15 for 5.30pm
Livestream from the Banco Court, Brisbane

Chief Justice of New South Wales from 1934–1949, Sir Frederick Jordan’s vigorous defence of the rule of law during World War II sometimes put him at odds with the governments of the day and the High Court of Australia. Through his earlier law school teaching, publications and the lasting influence of his judgments, Sir Frederick has a serious claim to be Australia’s greatest jurist even though he declined an appointment to the High Court offered by Prime Minister Robert Menzies at the urging of Sir Owen Dixon.

A bibliophile fluent in six languages, his extra-judicial writings reveal expansive and opinionated scholarship in art, literature, religion and popular culture.

Presenter

The Hon Keith Mason AC KC was Solicitor-General and President of the Court of Appeal of New South Wales. He is now an adjunct professor at the University of New South Wales. He’s explored biographical aspects of Australia’s rich legal history in his two legal miscellanies (Lawyers Then and Now; Old Law, New Law) and his biography of Sir Frederick Jordan, Fire Under the Frost.

Register to attend this free lecture in person.

Registrations close 27 October—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:

An image of the Supreme Court crest with the words 'Selden lecture four'

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.

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

Form no.

Form Title

Form 001B

Special Witness jurat for CPR affidavits

Form 11

Affidavit

Form 45

Affidavit of Service

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

Form no.

Form Title

Form 001A

Special Witness jurat for UCPR affidavits

Form 46

Affidavit

Form 47

Certificate of exhibit

Form 51

Affidavit (payment into court)

Form 71

Statement of financial position

Form 71A

Statement of financial position (company)

Form 74

Statement in support

Form 104

Affidavit of publication

Form 105

Affidavit (probate application)

Form 106

Affidavit (letters of administration with will)

Form 107

Affidavit of due execution of will/codicil

Form 108

Affidavit of handwriting

Form 109

Affidavit (letters of administration on intestacy)

Form 110

Affidavit (undated will)

Form 111

Affidavit of plight

Form 113

Affidavit (reseal)

Form 120

Affidavit of scripts

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

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.

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.

A drawn image of a Queen and King with the words 'So well and diligently SET FORTHE

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.

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.

Supreme Court Practice Direction 12 of 2022 (PDF, 361.2 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.

On 1 May 2022, we will celebrate 160 years serving the administration of justice in Queensland by providing legal information services to the Queensland judiciary, legal profession and broader community.

This auspicious occasion will be marked with a celebration for library staff to recognise their contribution to our long history in assisting our customers to navigate legal content, providing legal research services, and maintaining research and legal heritage collections.

Whether you’re a new library customer or have supported us over many years, we thank you for your patronage.

We are looking forward to the future. No doubt our library service will change a lot over the next 160 years—but whatever the future holds, I hope SCLQ remains committed to being Queensland’s leading legal information service, delivering world’s best practice legal library services to our customers.

David Bratchford
Supreme Court Librarian

Our history

1 May 1862

The library was established in the Supreme Court of Queensland (then housed in Brisbane’s convict barracks on Queen Street) with just 61 volumes in our collection. (The first Supreme Court Librarian, Robert Thorrold was appointed on 30 April.)

12 December 1862

The Supreme Court Library’s original rules came into effect.

October 1866

The library grew rapidly in its first years, and by October 1866 the collection was valued at £1000.

August 1874

Sir Samuel Griffith became chair of the Library Committee, a position he held throughout his tenure as Attorney-General until late 1878.

6 March 1879

We moved from our first home in the Queen Street convict barracks to a new home in the Supreme Court building on George Street, which stimulated a major expansion of our collection.

1879

The Collection Subcommittee was created to select new titles for the library collection, a role it still plays.

1881

Our first catalogue was published, with an alphabetical listing of around 500 volumes.

September 1887

The library first subscribed to the Selden Society, making Queensland the first jurisdiction outside of England to be listed in the first published Selden Society volumes.

1 September 1968

The historic Queensland Supreme Court building was set alight by arsonist David Brooks, leaving much of the building in ruins and seriously damaging library books and judges’ portraits.

11 December 1968

The Supreme Court Library Act 1968 came into force, setting out the constitution and powers of the Supreme Court Library Committee.

2 September 1981

We moved into the new Supreme Court building in Brisbane, which was officially opened in the presence of the Governor (Sir James Ramsay), the Chief Justice (Sir Charles Wanstall), the Chief Justice of the High Court (Sir Harry Gibbs), the Queensland judiciary and the legal profession.

3 August 2012

The state-of-the-art Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law building opened at 415 George Street and we made our home on level 12, where we still are today.

9 September 2013

David Bratchford took up the position of Supreme Court Librarian, replacing Aladin Rahemtula OAM who had served as Supreme Court Librarian for 27 years.

1 May 2022

It’s our 160th birthday!

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 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)

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

Explore the cases that were influential in shaping native title law reform at the Overturning terra nullius: the story of native title exhibition located in the Supreme Court Library Queensland. Free entry, weekdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm with access to learning resources.

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.

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

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

Version 6 of the DV Form DV04 (PDF, 297.8 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>>

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)

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)

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)

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).

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 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

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.

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