The Acting Premier of Victoria announced this morning that Victoria will be entering a seven day lockdown commencing at midnight tonight until 11:59pm 3 June 2021, in response to the growing COVID-19 outbreak across greater Melbourne.
In light of these restrictions, it is important to reiterate that the Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia (the Courts) are essential service providers, and the Courts will remain open to continue to provide access to justice in a timely and responsive way, whilst balancing this against the public health directions and necessary restrictions to protect our staff and our community.
The Courts remain open by conducting most trials and other hearings electronically via telephone or Microsoft Teams for the next seven days. This notification is to advise the legal profession and all court users that face-to-face hearings in the Melbourne and Dandenong registries (for the next seven days) will continue only if expressly authorised by the Chief Justice or presiding Judge, and only in exceptional circumstances. If matters cannot proceed electronically and must proceed face-to-face, the Courts will ensure that only the minimum necessary participants are to attend the registry or are present in the courtroom and other social distancing and other requirements are adhered to.
Chief Justice Alstergren has previously raised the expectation that during these exceptional times, parties should cooperate and ensure that the best interests of the child are addressed by complying with court orders. If strict adherence to parenting orders is not possible, it is imperative that any revised arrangements reflect the spirit of the orders.
"Families can be reassured to know that they are not alone and if they cannot resolve their disputes independently, they should seek help from the many support services that are available, or contact the Courts which are open and here to assist through the National COVID-19 List for example," Chief Justice Alstergren said.
The Courts have previously issued information in relation to parenting issues that may be of assistance:
- National COVID-19 List - National court list dedicated to dealing exclusively with urgent family law disputes that have arisen as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Border restrictions and parenting orders - Guidance in relation to border restrictions and shared parenting.
- Parenting orders - Statement from Chief Justice, the Hon Will Alstergren
