End of COVID-19 circuit breaker restrictions

The Victorian courts and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) will largely return to arrangements that were in place before the introduction of COVID-19 circuit breaker restrictions.

17 February 2021

The following update is from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria and Chair of Courts Council, Anne Ferguson, on behalf of the Victorian courts and VCAT.

Chief Justice Anne Ferguson said the courts and VCAT thanked Victoria’s legal profession and court users for their patience, understanding and adaptability during the five-day circuit breaker.

In response to the latest public health advice, Chief Justice Ferguson said the courts and VCAT have introduced measures that enable us to adjust between hearing matters remotely or on-site as we continue to deliver justice in a pandemic environment.

Chief Justice Ferguson said new criminal jury trials will begin from Thursday, and those already underway will continue, following COVID-safe plans.  

'We again thank all those working with us to continue the work of the courts and VCAT while protecting public health.'