The Industrial Relations Commission has recently published Practice Note 39, which provides for the conduct of Paperless Hearings. Under Practice Note 39, the Commission may direct that a hearing be conducted electronically, with all documents filed and tendered in digital form and all documentary material, including evidence, viewed electronically. This Practice Note takes effect from 5 August 2026.
The Commission has also made amendments to:
- Criminal Practice Note 1, which replaces Industrial Court Criminal Practice Note 1 and substantially updates the practice and procedure applicable to proceedings in the WHS list. This Practice Note takes effect on 10 August 2026; and
- Practice Note 35 and Form 64A, which revise the requirements concerning the identification of the person or persons alleged to have sexually harassed the applicant. This Practice Note and form will take effect on 10 August 2026.
