Automatic language translation
Our website uses an automatic service to translate our content into different languages. These translations should be used as a guide only. See our Accessibility page for further information.
Today on 28 March 2026, Magistrates became Judges of the Local Court with the commencement of the Local Court and Bail Legislation Amendment Act 2025. This was the culmination of decades of advocacy by the Magistracy, in recognition of their evolving work and the ever-increasing complexity of cases in the Local Court. The Local Court of New South Wales is now led by the Chief Judge, and supported by the Local Court Executive Office and three Deputy Chief Judges.
The Attorney General is seeking applications from persons qualified for appointment as a Magistrate under the Local Court Act 2007. Applications close on 23 February 2026.
The Local Court will continue not to sit at Waverley until late 2026 due to renovations occurring at Waverley Police Station and the expected noise from these works. Waverley Local Court will sit at John Maddison Tower from 12 January 2026 in Courtrooms 7A & 7B.
The Chief Magistrate has issued a new Practice Note on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Local Court proceedings. This Practice Note adopts the rules established in the Supreme Court in Practice Note SC Gen 23 – Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI).
From 19 December 2025, the Downing Centre Local Court will reopen, with some Court sittings to return from 22 December 2025:
Weekend Bail Proceedings in the Local Court join the Bail Division from 22 November 2025. There are now a single set of procedures and a single Practice Note for bail matters.
The Local Court will cease sitting at Waverley from Monday 20 October 2025 until at least 24 December 2025 due to renovations occurring at Waverley Police Station and the expected noise from these works. Waverley Local Court will sit at Newtown Local Court during this period. Newtown Local Court will relocate to Burwood Local Court.
Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders (SDAPOs) commence on Monday 29 September 2025. SDAPOs can be made in the Local Court and the Supreme Court (see Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007). In the Local Court, the Police or the ODPP can apply for a SDAPO to be made against someone who has been convicted in the last 10 years of two or more domestic violence offences that carry a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment or more.
Read more about SDAPOs here.
The Attorney General is calling for applications to join the Local Court Bench as an Acting Magistrate to hear bail matters. Applications are open from 28 August to 14 September 2025.
Read more at iWorkforNSW.
First instance bail matters in the Downing Centre Local Court have moved into Bail Division of the Local Court.
Read more about the Bail Division.
The Bail Division of the Local Court commenced on 7 July 2025, bringing in first instance bail matters for all regional Courts, and Newtown and Waverley Local Courts.
Read more about the Bail Division.