66303 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Associate Minister of Justice

66303 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Associate Minister of Justice: Is the Minister contemplating some court hearings being held entirely remotely and if so will there be public access to the hearings?

Hon Nicole McKee: The Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010 already permits fully remote court hearings in certain circumstances. For a hearing to be fully remote, a judicial officer or Registrar must determine that remote participation use is appropriate for every participant involved in the hearing, considering the relevant rules and criteria prescribed in the Act. Any changes arising from the Government’s review of the Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010 are yet to be determined. Options for change will balance a range of important considerations, including public confidence in the integrity of the justice system and the maintenance of open justice.