March 14, 2020 - In light of the developing COVID-19 situation and the unique risks posed by the breadth of the NT Local Court’s circuit footprint, the Local Court will be suspending all circuit court services effective immediately.
At this stage they will resume on 1 May 2020 as per the current court calendars, and additional days may be required. These measures will not affect Tennant Creek Local Court dates.
Matters affected by these measures will be heard in their base jurisdiction in order to be adjourned. i.e. all Lajamanu Local Court matters listed on 17 March 2020 will be heard at Katherine Local Court on the 17 March 2020.
For circuits which involve multiple sitting days all matters will be heard in the base jurisdiction on the first day of the sitting in order to be adjourned. i.e. all Alyangula Local Court matters listed 17-19 March 2020 will be heard in Darwin Local Court on 17 March 2020.
Custody matters will be dealt with in the base jurisdiction with defendants appearing by AVL from correctional facilities at first instance. Where possible, matters will proceed from the base jurisdiction.
Katherine Local Court will be open and sitting on the previously listed circuit court days.
Until further notice all applications made for video and audio link will be fast-tracked. As usual, urgent domestic violence orders can be dealt by audio link.