AVL Guidelines

(for participants in a proceeding – not for observers)

The Land and Environment Court uses a Cisco Webex platform to run the Court’s audio visual system.

Alternatively, Microsoft Teams could also be used by the Court to conduct a matter via AVL.

When appearing by AVL, all Court procedures and protocols are to be followed as if you were in Court in person.

Under Section (9) of the Court Security Act 2005, photo, video and sound recording of a NSW Court proceeding is prohibited. Penalties Apply: Maximum Penalty $22,000 or 12 months imprisonment (or both).

Use of “AI Bots” to record and transcribe proceedings is also prohibited.

For the party requesting use of AVL

Once a Court orders the use of its AVL system, it is the responsibility of the party requesting the AVL to coordinate and notify all participants of details of the AVL, such as venue, commencement time, duration and other relevant requirements or duties.

The chambers of the Judge or the registry will provide the party requesting the AVL with the link to the connect to the AVL system.

Parties should be mindful of time differences between States and countries and be able to provide any additional information to the registry (note various daylight savings time and date line zones).

Where the AVL relates to the taking of evidence in a court hearing, the party requesting the AVL is to ensure that a Bible or alternative (such as the Koran) is available at the remote site for the swearing in or participants and or witnesses and interpreters, as well as copies of any material that will be examined.

15-20 minutes prior to the commencement of the AVL, the requesting party should:

• test the AVL; and
• confirm participant details at the other site.

For the participants appearing remotely by AVL

• Check the date and time you are required to appear (noting any change in date and/or time due to daylight saving, time or date zone location);
• Be in a quiet and private location to limit interference from background noise;
• Ensure that there is sufficient and reliable internet coverage and connection on your device;
• Ensure your device has a working camera. AVL requires a camera to be enabled (when clicking on the video link, the application will ask permission to utilise your devices’ camera and audio/microphone – click “allow”;
• Enter your name. This will be displayed in the courtroom;
• Test your device’s ability to connect to the system via https://avl.justice.nsw.gov.au/invited.sf?id=10091500&secret=Tla.N04VLX3odSANhwXrSA.
  This link will play video and music that you should be able to see and hear. It will also mirror back the image from your camera in a “picture-in-picture” box, and an audio meter displays sound levels received from your microphone;
• Ensure all relevant materials you intend to rely upon have been made available to the Court beforehand;
• Ensure you have capacity to obtain instructions privately;
• All Court procedures and protocol are to be followed as if you were in Court in person;
• When announcing your appearance, clearly say and spell your name for the transcript;
• Refrain from speaking over each other as much as practical to assist with the court’s transcribing process.