20 July 2021

ALL MATTERS BEFORE DISTRICT COURT MASTERS FROM 20 JULY 2021

The Masters note that as of midnight 19 July 2021, South Australia has implemented Stage 4 restrictions.

Given the directive that persons should work from home if possible, the following is implemented for matters to be dealt with by the Masters.

  • Parties are encouraged to discuss directions hearings and agree orders in advance, requesting that the matter be dealt with via the Court Portal.
  • If parties cannot agree on consent orders, the directions hearing will proceed in person however telephone link ups or AVL hearings will be arranged on request. Parties must give at least 24 hours’ notice of the need to do so.  If attending, parties must maintain social distancing at all times.
  • Settlement conferences will be held at Court but socially distanced.
  • No documents are to be handed up in Court.
  • 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.​

Parties and practitioners are required to wear a mask whilst appearing in court and whilst moving around court buildings and whilst seated in public waiting areas and public galleries unless exempted under clause 14 Emergency Management (Activities – General) (COVID-19) Direction 2021.

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.

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 Elizabeth Olsson                Auxiliary Master Roder
DISTRICT COURT MASTER         DISTRICT COURT MASTER