27 July 2021

ALL MATTERS BEFORE DISTRICT COURT MASTERS FROM 28 JULY 2021

The Masters note that as of midnight 27 July 2021, South Australia will emerge from lockdown but that restrictions will continue to apply.

The following is implemented for matters to be dealt with by the Masters. The arrangements will apply until restrictions are changed.

Masks must be worn in all court buildings including courtrooms whilst waiting for a matter to be called on. However, persons speaking for a protracted period of time will be excused and the mask can be removed.

• Parties are encouraged to discuss directions hearings and agree orders in advance, requesting that the matter be dealt with via the Court Portal. See UCR 15.1(a), 101.5 (3) and 103.1

• 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 provided parties give at least 24 hours’ notice of such request. 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 and should be lodged via the Court portal prior to the hearing.

• 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.

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 Mark Blumberg                           Master Elizabeth Olsson
DISTRICT COURT MASTER                 DISTRICT COURT MASTER