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Victoria Law Institute president visits Echuca lawyers in wake of COVID-19
ECHUCA lawyers consider connectivity and variability of court infrastructure and technology as some of they challenges they face in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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That’s what Law Institute of Victoria president Tania Wolff was told during a meeting with law association practitioners in the town recently.
The aim of the regional Victoria visit was to hear how lawyers and their clients were recovering post COVID-19 and to discuss legal assistance, access to justice and local issues, including court facilities.
‘‘The most consistent issues raised had to do with variability of the infrastructure of courts to manage cases during COVID,’’ Ms Wolff said.
‘‘Clearly there were some limitations on face to face contact. So the variability of courts and capacity to manage a digital transition is an issue.
"Now that we are looking at an online court system in some way continuing into the future, that will be some kind of hybrid combination model, and connectivity issues in the region is continuing to be a challenge.’&rsquo
However, the move to virtual court hearings also proved beneficial for some.
>‘‘I spoke to one family law practice where she was representing a lot of farmers and for them it was quite convenient and positive that they didn’t have to go to Melbourne for court and they could manage it remotely,’’ Ms Wolff said.
‘‘Some are telling us that their clients are finding it better and less anxious to log onto a court case or mediation online rather than going to Melbourne for everything.
‘‘Of course you need to distinguish between those who are more vulnerable and do not necessarily have access to devices or secure connections to be able to manage that.
‘‘I think we’re going to have part of the response of the court backlog for example working out what measures we’re going to keep and to what extent.’’
Ms Wolff believed a hybrid system, where some matters could be heard remotely, was a logical decision.
‘‘Procedural and administrative matters can easily and efficiently be done remotely and virtually,’’ she said.
‘‘Others matters which may be more complicated would benefit from in-person resolution.
‘‘And with some pleas, it’s important to be able to communicate as an advocate for your client and to communicate powerfully, such as about why a particular disposition might be appropriate, and in those cases in-person is better for the person and the community.’’
As for the Echuca court building itself, a $5 million upgrade to it and Campaspe Shire Council was last year put on hold until a number of matters were addressed and resolved.
The upgrade would include fully separating building infrastructure of the court and shire offices, and safety and security improvements for court users, including separate waiting areas, increased interview room capacity, enhanced conferencing and hearing facilities, and improvements to the entry way to the court for people in custody.
‘‘Clearly you need to have an ability to work and do your job and get instructions in private,’’ Ms Wolff said.
‘‘That seems like an obvious example of something that needs to be remedied.
‘‘We’ve been advocating for investment and infrastructure in courts because it not only assists lawyers to do their jobs but clients in the community.’’
As for work caseload, family violence matters have increased with the onset of COVID-19.
‘‘I don’t know if that’s because the police are investigating it more or are more aware of the issues and have a more proactive responsive approach to it, but there has definitely been an upswing in relation to those matters,’’ she said.
Something Ms Wolff said she would take back with her to Melbourne was the enormous benefits of being in the country.
‘‘I would like to give Melbourne practitioners, particularly younger ones, an insight into what it’s like to live and practice in the country,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s hard to attract and retain younger practitioners here but there is more flexibility in the way we’re working and conceivably that will continue into the future.
‘‘It would be great of Melbourne lawyers realise the many benefits there are about living and working in a community.
"You get to know your clients in a different way, you’re a part of their sporting clubs and part of their schools. You can have a good quality of life here."
Ms Wolff said the feedback she received would be discussed with court services and the government, as well as various member working groups and consultations.
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