The Chief District Court Judge has issued a Bail Application Scheduling Framework [PDF, 457 KB] as part of the work to improve timely access to justice.

The purpose of the Framework is to ensure those in custody have their bail application heard as soon as possible. It is also intended to make the most efficient use of judicial, courtroom and stakeholder resources by ensuring all necessary information is before the court and defendants are not needlessly in court if their bail application is not ready or able to be pursued.

The Framework includes best practice guidance for judicial officers hearing bail applications and directions to court registries about how applications are to be scheduled. It places clear expectations on the part of Police and Crown prosecutors, defence counsel and other relevant stakeholders.

Implementing the Framework in each District Court location will require discussion between judges, the bar and other stakeholders at a local level.

Judicial officers and legal profession and justice sector leaders were consulted on an earlier draft of the Framework and it was revised afterwards. It will be reviewed in a year to ensure it is working as intended.