DISTRICT COURT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
MASTERS CHAMBERS

 

2 April 2020

ALL MATTERS BEFORE DISTRICT COURT MASTERS FROM 14 APRIL 2020

We advise procedures to occur for the four weeks commencing 14 April 2020.

The Masters are investigating the use of a web-based video link to hear contentious directions hearings and arguments. The Court is currently trialling a system for use. Once arrangements have been finalised the profession will be advised.

For the 4-week period commencing 14 April 2020, matters will be dealt with as follows:

  • All non-contentious directions hearings will be done via email:
    • all adjournments will be by email.  A Record of Outcome will be sent to all parties.
    • if substantive orders are required, parties are to send in consent orders.  A Record of Outcome will be sent to all parties.
    • emails for directions hearings are to be received by chambers by COB the day before. However, you are encouraged to send in your emails as soon as possible, and prior to the listed time, to allow efficient processing of all matters.
  • if parties cannot agree on consent orders, a telephone link up will be arranged but parties must give at least 24 hours’ notice of the need to do so.  If it is not possible to arrange a telephone link up, as a last resort, parties will attend before the Master but will keep the 1.5 metre/4 metre squared social distance between each other and court staff. The Court will endeavour to schedule a court room to facilitate such social distancing.
  • Settlement conferences currently listed will be held between the parties, by telephone or some other method agreed between them, without court involvement.  After the settlement conference has been held, parties are asked to advise chambers of the outcome and of any orders required.  For conferences listed in the future, they will be listed on the basis that a time for directions hearing will be given, with the settlement conference to be held at the convenience of the parties by that time.
  • No documents are to be handed up in Court. Parties are reminded of the message from the Principal Registrar of the Higher Courts as to the filing and receipt of documents. A copy of that message can be found here.
  • Parties are not under any circumstances to physically approach court staff in the court.
  • Parties are to do their utmost to resolve arguments between them and if not, to consider whether they can limit the argument to submissions on the papers. If that is not possible, the argument will proceed as normal but with parties observing the required social distancing. Attendance at such arguments is to be strictly limited to counsel and instructing solicitor of each party. When a video link is possible, the parties will be advised.

If you are of the view that your directions hearing or argument must proceed in a court room, please email chambers with your reasons, to allow the Master to consider your request.

Practitioners are reminded that if they are in self-isolation, quarantine, are in any way unwell, or have been in contact with someone who has returned from overseas or interstate within the last 14 days, they are NOT, under any circumstances, to enter the Sir Samuel Way Building.

If a practitioner has a condition that makes them vulnerable to infection or they are generally concerned and do not wish to come into Court they should advise Chambers at least 24 hours prior to the hearing and make alternative satisfactory arrangements.

These measures will be implemented from 14 April 2020 and will operate until 8 May 2020.  They will be revised as new public health announcements are made.  The position for the four-week period commencing 11 May 2020 will be communicated by 4 May 2020 and will be updated monthly thereafter, in the absence of other measures imposed by the government.   For matters before Judges of the District Court, parties should follow the instructions given by the Chief Judge or as directed by individual chambers.

Master Mark Blumberg                     Master Elizabeth Olsson      
DISTRICT COURT MASTER           DISTRICT COURT MASTER 
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