If you or a loved one is facing a bail hearing in New South Wales, it’s essential to understand the recent changes in how these matters are managed. The introduction of the NSW Bail Division, effective from 7 July 2025, marks a significant shift in the way adult bail hearings are handled in regional NSW, with Sydney to follow. As a leading criminal lawyer in the Northern Beaches, MCB Lawyers is here to help you navigate these changes and protect your rights.
What Is the NSW Bail Division?
The Bail Division is a dedicated virtual court, established by the Chief Magistrate of the Local Court, to centralise and streamline weekday adult bail matters in NSW. It currently applies to regional court bail hearings and will expand to metropolitan areas in the near future.
This specialist court deals with:
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Police bail refusals
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Executed arrest warrants
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Detention applications
The main goals of the Bail Division are to improve consistency, relieve pressure on Local Courts, and fast-track urgent matters—benefits that are especially important if you’re seeking release from custody.
Objectives of the Bail Division
This structural change has been implemented to:
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Ensure greater consistency in bail determinations
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Relieve pressure on Local Courts and Magistrates
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Free up courtroom availability for other hearings
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Support specialised judicial decision-making in bail applications
How the Bail Division Operates
All hearings are conducted virtually via Webex, allowing parties to attend from any location with internet access. This includes:
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Defendants
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Legal representatives
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Police prosecutors
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Support persons or family
Participants must still follow courtroom etiquette. You must:
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Dress appropriately
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Be in a quiet and private location
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Refrain from recording or photographing proceedings (as prohibited by the Court Security Act 2005)
The Bail Division is generally open to the public unless a suppression or non-publication order is made.
Bail Division Courtrooms by Region
The Bail Division operates through seven virtual courtrooms:
- Mid North Coast & Northern Rivers
- Newcastle & Greater Hunter
- Southern Highlands & South Coast
- Western NSW
- Riverina & New England
- Central Coast & Inner Metro
- Overflow/Expansion courtroom
Cases are allocated based on geography but may be shifted to manage workflow.
When Will My Bail Matter Be Heard?
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Hearings begin at 9:30am daily
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If the defendant is processed before 12:00pm, the matter will be heard same day
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If processed after 12:00pm, it is listed for the next day
This structure helps ensure that bail decisions are made promptly, reducing unnecessary time in custody.
Family, Support Persons, and Access
If you’re a family member or support person:
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Contact the Bail Division Registry via baildivisionregistry@justice.nsw.gov.au
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If you lack a quiet space or internet, your Local Court may provide access to a remote witness room
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Community support workers can also attend with permission
Our team can liaise with the registry and assist your loved ones through the process. Need help now? Contact us.
Accessing Bail Transcripts
To obtain a transcript:
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Submit a request via the NSW Online Registry
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Or complete the Transcript Order Form and email it to the registry
How MCB Lawyers Can Help
At MCB Lawyers, we understand the complexities of bail applications in NSW. Whether you’re facing a police bail refusal, an arrest warrant, or a detention application, our experienced criminal lawyers are available to:
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Represent you at virtual bail hearings
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Liaise with the Bail Division Registry
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Provide advice and advocacy to secure release on bail
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Ensure that your rights are protected and procedural fairness is upheld
If you need legal representation for a bail matter, or simply want to understand your rights, contact MCB Lawyers today.
📞 Call us: 02 9977 1133
📍 Offices in Manly, Wollongong & Parramatta
📧 Email: admin@MCB lawyers.com.au
Disclaimer: This blog post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please seek tailored legal advice before acting on any of the information provided.