Hearing Protocol issued | FCFCOA PD COVID-19 Special Measures revoked

10 November 2022

The Chief Justice, the Hon Chief Justice Alstergren AO, has issued the Special Measures Information Notice – Hearing Protocol to replace the Special Measures Information Notice – COVID-19 Hearing Protocol, with effect from Monday, 7 November 2022 in the FCFCOA (Division 1) and FCFCOA (Division 2).  

The SMIN sets out how the Courts will continue to utilise both in-person and electronic hearings, as well as the arrangements for dispute resolution and Court Children’s Service events. 

It also specifies the COVIDSafe measures that continue to apply. Some of the COVIDSafe measures have been relaxed, including removing the restriction on the Courts providing water jugs and disposable cups in courtrooms.

From close of filing, Friday, 4 November 2022, the Chief Justice has revoked the FCFCOA Practice Direction – COVID-19 Special Measures. This document provided for the filing of documents that had not been witnessed, the deferral of fee payments, filing of documents by email, and other COVID-19 measures.

All documents should continue to be filed electronically through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or eLodgment. For documents that cannot be filed electronically through the Commonwealth Courts Portal, they may be lodged for filing by email, by post, or in the registry. 

These changes will be reflected on the website shortly. The Hearing Protocol is live here: FCFCOA Special Measures Information Notice: Hearing protocol | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

The Special Measures Information Notice – COVID-19 Electronic Subpoena Inspection continues to apply.

View the PDF here