Bail Division

Statement on the Bail Division

On 23 June 2025, the Chief Magistrate, His Honour Judge Michael Allen issued a statement on the Bail Division (PDF, 165.3 KB).

Overview

The Chief Magistrate of the Local Court has established the Bail Division to centralise and streamline the management of bail matters across New South Wales 7 days a week. This initiative enhances efficiency, ensuring a more consistent and structured approach to bail proceedings.

Types of Matters Included in Bail Division

The Bail Division oversees adult fresh custody matters in regional NSW plus some Sydney locations for weekdays and all of NSW on weekends. The Bail Division hears:

• Police bail refusals – when police do not grant bail.
• Executed arrest warrants – when a warrant is acted on and leads to an arrest.
• Detention applications – requests to keep someone in custody or release them often for a breach of bail conditions.

Accessing the Virtual Court

All matters in the Bail Division are conducted virtually, with participants joining via Audio Visual Link (AVL). This includes: 

• Defendants
• Legal Representatives
• Police Prosecutors
• Family members or support persons
• Supporting agencies

Webex Video Conferencing Instructions

The Bail Division virtual Court operates using Webex, a secure video conferencing platform. Participants can access Webex through: 

• A standard web browser (no software installation required)
• A mobile or desktop app (available for download, if preferred)
• For more details on accessing Webex, including installing and setting up the application, click here

Public Access to Proceedings

The Bail Division is open to the public. Those wishing to observe proceedings may do so online. 

Please contact BailDivisionRegistry@justice.nsw.gov.au who will provide you with links on how to appear from all devices and which Courtroom to dial into.

Information for Legal Representatives

If you are a legal representative for a matter in the Bail Division, please contact BailDivisionRegistry@justice.nsw.gov.au and provide the following details:

• Your client’s name
• Your contact information

The Bail Division Registry will then provide you with dial-in details and register your information against your client’s matter.

Contact and Further Information

For any inquiries, please contact the Bail Division Registry: BailDivisionRegistry@justice.nsw.gov.au.

See the Legal Aid website for information on Regional Weekday Bail Courts.

See the Legal Aid website for further information on Bail.