Cessation of After-Hours and Telephone Bail Applications by Local Court Judges

The Local Court is ceasing the availability of Local Court Judges for after-hours bail reviews and limiting telephone bail applications.

While after-hours bail reviews will no longer be available, a roster will remain in place for out-of-hours applications in the following categories:

1. Intimate procedure application under the Police Administration Act 1978.
2. Non-intimate procedure applications for youth offenders under the Police Administration Act 1978.
3. Section 137 of the Police Administration Act 1978 applications (extension of time for holding youth offenders).
4. Urgent reviews of domestic violence orders pursuant to the Domestic and Family Violence Act 2007.
5. Urgent care and protection applications.
6. On weekends and public holidays, between the hours of 2pm and 4pm, applications for review of bail for youth and applications pursuant to s24 of the Youth Justice Act for an order that a youth be detained at a detention centre.

Additionally, business hours weekday telephone reviews made to Local Court Chambers will be conducted only for:

1. Defendants who cannot be brought before a Court within 24 to 48 hours (e.g., bus court locations).
2. Applications for review where the Defendant is a youth.
3. Urgent matters as listed above.

* Revised 8 April 2025