Information for the legal profession on
COVID-19 outbreak
LCA President, Pauline Wright, statement regarding the right to jury trials
President Pauline Wright has issued a statement expressing concern a jurisdiction has passed legislation that removes the right to trial by jury during the current pandemic. Read more.
Recommended measures to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
Today we have sent a letter to Minister Dutton, Acting Minister Tudge and Assistant Minister Wood outlining recommendations and proposed measures to address the situation of the many hundreds of thousands of non-citizens who are affected by the unfolding consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.
We will continue to monitor and update the legal profession with the latest news regarding COVID-19.
Updates from the Family Court and
Federal Circuit Court
CDS in-person interview
The Courts have released a protocol designed to reduce the risk of being in close contact with a Court user who may be infectious with COVID-19. Read more.
The Courts also have a dedicated page for all COVID-19 related information for the profession at the following:
Updates from the Federal Court
Special measures in response to COVID 19 have been outlined. Read more.
Update from the Australian Office of
Financial Management
The Australian Office of Financial Management (AOFM) announced a round of funding from the Australian Business Securitisation Fund (ABSF) to enable smaller lenders to continue supporting Australian small and medium sized businesses (SME’s). Read more.
Helpline available
The Business Hotline – 13 28 46 – has been expanded to provide specialist advisers and extended hours to support small and medium businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also send an email.
The Hotline operates seven days per week and provide an additional two hours a day of support outside standard operating hours for the first month, answering calls from 7.00am to 11.00pm AEST.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Support
The ATO has set up an Emergency Support Infoline - 1800 806 218.
Jobs Hub website
The Federal Government has launched a site – Jobs Hub – which lists all available jobs on the internet, in a bid to help Australians out of work because of coronavirus. Read more.
