Data Security Notification

Statement from the Chief Executive Officer of Court Services Victoria (CSV), Louise Anderson

Court Services Victoria (CSV) is aware of a data security incident impacting the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Children’s Court of Victoria.

The incident led to unauthorised access to some information used to link court participants to online hearings.

CSV immediately investigated and shut down the way the information was accessed, strengthened security and continues to monitor the system.

All relevant authorities have been notified of the incident and are assisting with the investigation and response.

The unauthorised access was to some information used to link court participants to online hearings at the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Children’s Court of Victoria between 2022 and 2026. The information related to online hearings at some court locations including Bendigo, Castlemaine, Echuca, Kerang, Kyneton, Maryborough, Mildura, Ouyen, Robinvale and Swan Hill.

The system from which this data comes is separate from the Case Management System (CMS) used by the two courts and does not contain information about court proceedings from that system.  

Some of the information accessed was already on the public record, including: 

• case titles and numbers 
• hearing dates and times 
• courtrooms, and, 
• participant names. 

Other information such as email addresses and/or a description of the person’s role in the matter (i.e. lawyer, court staff, observer) was also accessed.

Our investigation and response remain ongoing and we will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.

In the meantime, if you were involved in a case in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Children’s Court of Victoria during the time frame and locations noted above and are concerned that you may be impacted, you can call (03) 9087 6116 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Maintaining security for court users is our highest priority.

We remain committed to promptly sharing as much information as possible and encourage people to visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page