Your browser window currently does not have enough height, or is zoomed in too far to view our website content correctly. Once the window reaches the minimum required height or zoom percentage, the content will display automatically.
Alternatively, you can learn more via the links below.
The way the NSW court system deals with bail hearings on weekdays has changed. This currently applies to adults in regional NSW but will soon apply to all “first appearance” bail applications in NSW. Read on below to find out what this might mean for you.
When an adult in NSW is charged with a new offence and refused bail by police, they are taken to court where they can choose to apply for bail from a magistrate. This is called a “first appearance” bail application.
Since 7 July 2025, all first appearance bail applications for people in regional NSW are now made before a new online-only virtual court. This is called the Bail Division. Defendants appear in the Bail Division by video link from custody. The magistrate, prosecutor and defence lawyer all also appear by video link. There is no physical courtroom.
One of the key changes to the bail process is a new 12 pm daily deadline for bail applications. This means that, if you are charged with a fresh offence and have to go to court to apply for bail for that offence, you may not get to apply for bail on the same day you are arrested.
If you are an adult applying for bail in the Bail Division, you will have access to free legal help from a duty lawyer with Legal Aid NSW. If you normally engage a private lawyer, they can appear for you as usual, or you can self-represent.
At this time, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) has not received funding to be able to service the new virtual bail court. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who need free legal support can seek help and representation from Legal Aid NSW.
After the hearing, your case returns to the regular local court in your area and goes through the normal court process. If you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, you can ask the Legal Aid duty lawyer to transfer your file to the Aboriginal Legal Service.
Even if you haven’t requested a transfer, you can call the Aboriginal Legal Service by dialing #12 on the CADL prison phone system and we can discuss your situation.
Family, friends and support people can still attend court to support you while you’re applying for bail, but they cannot attend in person as there is no physical courtroom. They will have to have access to the internet and a computer, smartphone or other device to attend the virtual bail court.
For instructions about how to dial in to the hearing, they will need to either speak to their local court registry or contact the Bail Division registry via the below email:
The way the NSW court system deals with bail hearings on weekdays has changed. This currently applies to adults in regional NSW but will soon apply to all “first appearance” bail applications in NSW. Read on below to find out what this might mean for you.
When an adult in NSW is charged with a new offence and refused bail by police, they are taken to court where they can choose to apply for bail from a magistrate. This is called a “first appearance” bail application.
Since 7 July 2025, all first appearance bail applications for people in regional NSW are now made before a new online-only virtual court. This is called the Bail Division. Defendants appear in the Bail Division by video link from custody. The magistrate, prosecutor and defence lawyer all also appear by video link. There is no physical courtroom.
One of the key changes to the bail process is a new 12 pm daily deadline for bail applications. This means that, if you are charged with a fresh offence and have to go to court to apply for bail for that offence, you may not get to apply for bail on the same day you are arrested.
If you are an adult applying for bail in the Bail Division, you will have access to free legal help from a duty lawyer with Legal Aid NSW. If you normally engage a private lawyer, they can appear for you as usual, or you can self-represent.
At this time, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) has not received funding to be able to service the new virtual bail court. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who need free legal support can seek help and representation from Legal Aid NSW.
After the hearing, your case returns to the regular local court in your area and goes through the normal court process. If you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, you can ask the Legal Aid duty lawyer to transfer your file to the Aboriginal Legal Service.
Even if you haven’t requested a transfer, you can call the Aboriginal Legal Service by dialing #12 on the CADL prison phone system and we can discuss your situation.
Family, friends and support people can still attend court to support you while you’re applying for bail, but they cannot attend in person as there is no physical courtroom. They will have to have access to the internet and a computer, smartphone or other device to attend the virtual bail court.
For instructions about how to dial in to the hearing, they will need to either speak to their local court registry or contact the Bail Division registry via the below email:
When people are imprisoned, they lose their freedom, but they do not lose all of their human rights. International human rights law makes this very clear.
All people behind bars should be treated with dignity.
This article discusses some of the human rights that may be relevant in prison with reference to human rights protections under the Human Rights Act 2019 (QLD) in Queensland.
All parole orders must have conditions setting out what you are required to do and what you must not do while on parole.
Your security classification impacts which prison you are placed in and the level of security that is imposed on you.
Wrongdoing thrives in the darkness. Too often, it is only because of brave people who speak out that the public learns what is happening in the shadows.
There are lots of reasons why people may get lighter or heavier sentences than someone else who has committed the same crime.
You got this letter to say that your visa has been cancelled due to your offending. This means you no longer hold a visa.
Help keep the momentum going. All donations will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. If you would like to pay directly into our bank account to avoid the processing fee, please contact donate@abouttime.org.au. ABN 67 667 331 106.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
Leave a Comment
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere. uis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.