Interim Arrangements for Appearances at Downing Centre Local Court First Return Date Matters

15/07/2025

The Chief Magistrate of the Local Court of NSW, His Honour Judge Michael Allen, has issued a memorandum regarding “Interim Arrangements for Appearances at Downing Centre Local Court First Return Date Matters”.

The memorandum states that “As a result of the recent flooding and temporary closure of the Downing Centre Local Court complex, first return date matters that would normally be listed at the Downing Centre Local Court have been transferred primarily to a courtroom in the adjoining John Maddison Tower. Consequently, the volume of defendants and practitioners now attending the John Maddison Tower has created significant delays in access to lifts and facilities.”

To alleviate this problem, the Chief Magistrate has implemented the interim measures outlined in the memorandum, which will take effect from Thursday, 17 July 2025 and will remain in place until further notice.

The memorandum is available here.