The Supreme Court has updated its protocol, effective from 31 January 2021 and available here. This includes arrangements regarding vaccination, mask wearing, QR code check-in and what matters will continue to proceed via audio-visual link. The Court has also published its protocol for criminal trials, which includes information about increased cleaning practices and trial bubbles for jurors and participants. That protocol is available here.

As a result of the high number of COVID infections within the community which are affecting the operations of the Court, the Chief Magistrate has published Memo 26, directions which will apply up until and including 11 February 2022. This direction applies to all Local Court sittings at locations in New South Wales. This includes both civil and criminal sittings. All Local Court defended hearings (including hearings where the defendant is in custody) are to be vacated up to and including Friday 11 February 2022. All vacated matters will remain listed for call-over on the date on which they were originally listed. Defended matters may proceed in limited circumstances on an application by a legal practitioner or self-represented litigant to the Court (at which the matter is listed) prior to the listing date. Where the presiding magistrate is inclined to grant the application, the hearing may only proceed with the approval of the Chief Magistrate. Read the full Memo here.

As of today (27 January) there will be no face-to-face services in court registries (except WA), unless otherwise approved by the Head of Jurisdiction. The Court is still open to support litigants and the profession through a range of online and phone services. These precautionary measures will assist to reduce the need to travel. Please note the Federal Court of Australia requires all attendees to be double vaccinated and to use the QR check-in on arrival.  Hand sanitiser is to be used before entering the court, masks are to be worn at all times except for speakers and if you are unwell please remain at home. In exceptional circumstances where these conditions cannot be met, and at the discretion of the presiding Judge, the Court may develop a protocol on a case by case basis, to ensure the safety of court staff and parties. The Court’s COVID-19 updates can be viewed here.

In the interests of health and safety, the Opening of Law Term Dinner will be postponed until Monday 28 March 2022. Everyone who has RSVP’d or registered should have received an email of the update. Places are limited, register now to secure your place.

Red Mass St Marys Cathedral
Monday 31 January, 9am -
Given the present pandemic, and the very large number of infections, the Red Mass will be live streamed. This year only, the Red Mass will not be open to attendance by the profession and public. Please visit this page to access the live web-stream on the date.
St James Anglican service
Monday 31 January - deferred
Pan-Orthodox service
Tuesday 1 February - deferred
Red Mass St Patrick's Cathedral Marist Place Parramatta
Thursday 3 February 7pm - proceeding as usual
Coptic Divine Liturgy
Monday 7 February – deferred
Jewish service
Wednesday 9 February - deferred
Islamic Service
Tuesday 15 February - deferred

The NSW Government will extend current restrictions for another month as the State continues to take a measured response to managing COVID-19 with a focus on a safe return to school and restarting non-urgent elective surgery as soon as possible. Current settings will continue from Thursday, 27 January 2022 until Monday, 28 February 2022, including: hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes, and nightclubs must follow the one person per two square metre rule indoors; masks are required in all indoor settings (except residences); QR code check-ins are compulsory at certain premises, including hospitality venues and retail shops; singing and dancing is not permitted in hospitality venues, entertainment facilities, nightclubs, indoor music festivals and indoor major recreation facilities (except for weddings, performers, instructors and students). More here.

Solicitors are reminded that if they or a colleague are struggling, the Solicitor Outreach Service (SOS) is available. Through this service, solicitors have 24/7 access to confidential counselling with a registered psychologist. 

The Commission has extended its pause of in-person medical assessments until 18 February. In-person assessments currently scheduled that cannot proceed via videoconference will be rescheduled to a later date. The Commission is preparing to include Rapid Antigen Testing as a screening measure at medical appointments and currently arranging to supply those tests to Medical Assessors. Until then, the current arrangements can be viewed here.