We advise procedures to occur commencing 11 May 2020 until further notice.

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.
    • If parties are intending to adjourn a matter or seek orders by consent before either of the Masters they should advise the Masters’ clerks by close of business the day before the hearing by emailing chambers at dcmastersjso@courts.sa.gov.au
    • Please use dcmastersjso@courts.sa.gov.au to contact Chambers otherwise it cannot be guaranteed that the email will be seen and actioned in time.
  • Contentious directions hearings and arguments,

Master Olsson

Is using a web-based audio/video link called Webex to hear contentious directions hearings and arguments.

View information about virtual court hearings

For optimum use, practitioners should use a web-camera and microphone for their computer or laptop, however, the platform can be used on a smartphone or tablet using the input camera and microphone.

Telephone linkups can also be held via Webex by the practitioner dialling into the meeting. It is this platform that will be preferred for all matters heard by Master Olsson.

Unless a request is made to the contrary, directions hearings and arguments will be heard by Master Olsson through Webex and the parties will be sent the appropriate invitation to the email address stated on the court documents, along with instructions as to how to join the meeting. Practitioners need to accept the invitation to confirm attendance.

If assistance is required, requests can be made via enquiry@courts.sa.gov.au and a technician will contact the practitioner to assist them.

Master Blumberg

For the time being Master Blumberg will continue to hear arguments in person with appropriate social distancing.

In the case of directions hearings, absent agreed orders, he is prepared to conduct contentious directions hearings by telephone link up under the existing system. Parties wishing to hold a telephone link up before Master Blumberg for directions hearings must provide contact numbers to Chambers by no later than the day before the hearing.

Master Blumberg will also be trialling the use of Webex.

    • Please note: If no notification of adjournment is received, the directions hearing will proceed in the party’s absence and orders may be made accordingly. The Masters will no longer try to locate those parties to an action who have not advised how they will be attending.
    • Parties are reminded that attendance by electronic means remains a hearing in court and appropriate etiquette, and, in the case of a video link – dress, must be observed. The parties will be held online and then called on in the usual manner to commence the Webex or telephone hearing.
  • If it is not possible to arrange a telephone or Webex link up, as a last resort, parties will attend before the Master but will comply with social distancing requirements including maintaining a 1.5 metre social distance between each other and court staff.
  • Settlement conferences

Conferences currently listed will be held between the parties, by telephone or some other method agreed between them, without court involvement.  After a settlement conference has been held, parties are asked to advise chambers of the outcome and of any orders sought.  Conferences listed in the future 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 to physically approach court staff in the court.

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 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 11 May 2020 and will operate until further notice.  They will be reviewed as new public health announcements are made.  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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