JKC AUSTRALIA LNG PTY LTD v CH2M HILL COMPANIES LTD

摘要

On 18 March 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Justice of Western Australia issued a public notice. Among other things the notice informed the public of directions, effective immediately, as to the conduct of hearings in the Court of Appeal. Unless otherwise ordered, all appearances in person at appeal hearings were suspended. Appeal hearings, both criminal and civil, are to be conducted by telephone unless all counsel have access to video conferencing facilities (which may then be used). Those arrangements have been implemented from 19 March 2020. On 19 March 2020, the respondents in the appeal (the respondents), by interim application, applied for an order that the appeal hearing listed for 27 March 2020 be adjourned. The application was grounded on issues said to arise from the COVID-19 pandemic.