The Department of Communities and Justice has released a factsheet explaining changes to the operation of courts, tribunals and correctional centres across the State in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions.
A spokesperson for the Department said temporary changes had been made to ensure services were delivered in line with current advice about reducing the potential for the transmission of COVID-19.
“These changes are legislated for six months, and can be extended for a maximum of a further six months by regulation,” the spokesperson said.
“This factsheet explains some changes that the Government has made to enable courts, tribunals, correctional centres, and youth justice centres in NSW continue their essential work, while keeping staff, clients and the rest of the community safe,” the spokesperson said.
The Department’s spokesperson said the factsheet outlined changes to the conduct of criminal proceedings and related issues; the management of correctional and youth justice centres; the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT); as well as the Commissioner of Corrective Services’ conditional release and early parole powers.
“The changes also introduce a power to make further changes by regulation to alter existing arrangements to align with updated health advice, in circumstances where Parliament is not able to legislate those changes,” it said.
“This power will only be used in exceptional circumstances.”
The spokesperson said key Government Agencies would work together to implement the measures outlined in the factsheet.
The Department’s factsheet can be accessed at this PS News link.
