UPDATED: Chief Justice sets courts’ policy on vaccination status

Queensland Chief Justice Catherine Holmes has issued a new COVID-related practice direction for people entering court buildings.

Practice Direction No.24 of 2021, which was issued today, asks that any practitioner or unrepresented party who is not fully vaccinated notify the relevant registry at least 24 hours before attending.

They should also advise the registry if they are aware that a client or witness, or other person attending court with them, is not fully vaccinated.

Further, they are asked to ensure that the person not fully vaccinated reads the practice direction.

Subject to direction from the presiding judge, all persons not fully vaccinated and entering a court building should wear a face mask at all times, except when speaking in court.

Everyone entering a court building should check in with the ‘Check-in Queensland App’ and practise safe distancing.

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The practice direction defines ‘fully vaccinated’ as having had two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

A similar practice direction, District Court Practice Direction No.12 of 2021 (COVID-19), has been issued by Chief Judge Brian Devereaux SC. Chief Magistrate Judge Terry Gardiner has also issued Magistrates Courts Practice Direction 5 of 2021 and Childrens Court (Magistrates Courts) Practice Direction 6 of 2021.

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