Which is expected to help clear huge backlog of cases, according to Victoria Legal Aid Loddon-Campaspe regional office regional managing lawyer Marcus Williams.
“We expect as more people become aware of the ability to access the courts online and have their matters dealt with the backlog will reduce and new matters will be able to be resolved more quickly,” Mr Williams said.
“It is very difficult to determine how long it will take to address the backlog, but we are working with the courts and Victoria Police to do so in a way that keeps court users and staff safe.”
While many cases were adjourned due to COVID-19 restrictions, the magistrates’ court has continued to hear priority cases, some in person, but mainly online via the Online Magistrates Court (OMC).
“Many of the matters that would be listed on a weekly basis at the Echuca court have not been able to be resolved during the COVID-19 restrictions,” Mr Williams said.
“It is very important people continue to have access to the justice system, so where appropriate we have been working with the courts to ensure this can happen through the use of technology and remote or online hearings.”
Mr Williams said Legal Aid was developing a new service to support people to obtain legal assistance before their listed court date, rather than wait until their day at court.
“If people have a criminal matter that remains outstanding, they should use the Magistrates’ Court website to get in touch with Victoria Legal Aid or they can contact our Bendigo office to see if we can help,” he said.
Anyone with a pending court matter should go to mcv.vic.gov.au for information and to arrange an online hearing by filling in an online form that provides information for the court on how their matter will proceed.
This includes whether they are represented or wish to be represented, whether they want to plead guilty or not guilty, whether they wish to appear at their online hearing or if they want the matter to be finalised in their absence.
Once this is received, the matter will be scheduled for an OMC hearing or finalised on the papers by a judicial officer.
OMC hearings occur using the WebEx platform and parties can appear before the judicial officer from a computer, tablet or mobile phone.
Mr Williams said throughout the COVID-19 restrictions, staff had been working collaboratively with Victoria Police and the courts to resolve matters as early as possible and have them heard by video link to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
“Like many businesses and government agencies, our staff have been working from home, and we have largely replaced face-to-face services with providing assistance over the phone or audio video link,” he said.
“We continue to help people with their matters in the Magistrates’ Court and can assist them to be represented or to represent themselves depending on the nature of their matter.”
Chief Magistrate, Judge Lisa Hannan, said social distancing would be in place for some time and it was still not possible for people to gather in court buildings.
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