InBrief

Following feedback from a number of users, in particularly legal practitioners, the Consumer and Commercial Division of NCAT recently implemented a change in its listing practices for special fixture hearings. While in the past there was a practice of seeking available dates from the parties and subsequently fixing a date, the delays between the provision of the information by the parties and the setting of the hearing date was creating some difficulties for legal practitioners. Special fixture dates are now set down without seeking availability of the parties, but sufficiently in advance to allow most users to either accommodate the date or to seek an adjournment if necessary and appropriate. Since this new listing process was adopted in September 2014, we understand there has been a reduction in requests for adjournment of special fixture hearing dates.

The new listing practices will be kept under review by NCAT. Any members who experience any difficulties as to the operation of the new system should provide specific details to Alastair McConnachie at the Bar Association at amcconnachie@nswbar.asn.au