COVID-19 – All matters before Supreme and District Court Masters from 18 November 2020

Given the current restrictions due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, the Masters are aware that there may be some concern and confusion regarding court appearances during this time.

Directions hearings and arguments will continue to be conducted in court with appropriate physical distancing and hygiene precautions.

However, the Masters recognise that some practitioners will be working from home or reluctant to attend court in person.

If a practitioner has a condition that makes them vulnerable to infection or they are generally concerned and do not wish to or feel comfortable to come into Court they should advise Chambers at least 24 hours prior to the hearing and make arrangements for a remote attendance via either Webex or telephone link.

Whilst in court parties are not to approach court staff at a distance closer than 1.5 metres and no documents will be handed up in court but must be sent electronically to Chambers prior to the hearing.

Supreme Court mediations will continue as listed, although the venue may change at short notice (while still remaining within the Court precinct). Please check with the Sheriff’s officers on your arrival at Court.

Settlement conferences are to be held between the parties at an alternate venue. A directions hearing will be convened (by email) shortly after the current date for the settlement conference, to allow the parties to advise the Court of the outcome and for consequential orders to be made. For conferences to be listed in the future, they will be listed on the basis that a time for an email directions hearing will be given, with the settlement conference to be held prior to that time.

Practitioners are not to come to the Court, if they have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue
• loss of sense of smell
• shortness of breath
• have visited sites listed on the SA Health website as being connected with the outbreak and/or
• have had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having coronavirus (COVID-19) in the last 14 days

These measures will be implemented from 18 November 2020 and will operate until further notice.

Enquiries: Media and Communications Office
​Phone: ​8204 0403 or 0467795291
​Email: ​media@courts.sa.gov.au