The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia announced the national change on 3 August 2026 after a pilot in Parramatta, Townsville and Rockhampton. The Court says the change is intended to improve accessibility, consistency and the court-user experience.
Video becomes the standard for attended divorce hearings
When parties must attend a divorce hearing before a Deputy Registrar, the hearing will ordinarily take place through an audio-and-video Webex link. The link will appear in the Commonwealth Courts Portal and the daily court list on the day before the hearing.
The Court states that participants may join from a computer, smartphone or another suitable device. A person who cannot appear by video may still participate by telephone. A Deputy Registrar may also permit participation without video where there are safety concerns or technology limitations.
Access improves only when everyone can participate meaningfully
Remote attendance can reduce travel, time away from work and practical barriers for people living far from a registry. But digital access, privacy, safety and confidence using the technology still matter. The Court advises participants to raise concerns before the hearing and provides guidance for electronic hearings.
This procedural change applies to divorce hearings. It does not change the evidence required, decide any person's case or replace the need to follow court directions.
Accessible
Distance, cost and technology should not prevent a person from taking part in a court process.
Safe
Safety concerns and practical limitations should be raised early and considered individually.
Fair
Every participant should be able to hear, understand and respond during proceedings.
Technology should support fair process
Justice Before Judgment supports practical changes that improve access while preserving safety, dignity and meaningful participation. Genuine victims and children must be protected, evidence must be examined independently, and every person must retain fair-hearing safeguards.
The Court does not endorse this campaign. This article separates the Court's announcement from independent campaign commentary.
Fairness needs a public voice.
Read the campaign's goals and safeguards, then add your support if you agree that justice processes should be accessible, balanced and evidence-based.
Source note: This update summarises an official Court announcement and adds clearly labelled campaign commentary. It is general public information, not legal advice.