Ann: VMC: Venus Update on Court Proceedings, page-2

What happens
It is not always possible to predict in advance what matters will be dealt with at a conference, and the case manager may stand a conference down (that is, adjourn it for a short time) for the parties to negotiate or discuss matters that have arisen, or how to proceed.
Generally though case management conferences deals with the following procedural issues:

• Times for parties to complete pleadings
• Third party or similar proceedings
• Discovery and inspection
• Expert evidence
• Mediation
• Date and length of trial.

The case manager is able to make any interlocutory order, case management direction or enforcement order that is fair and just to the parties in the matter. The purpose of the conferences is to assess the
matters’ readiness for trial but also to encourage the parties settle the matter and avoid the cost of a trial. The Court will strongly encourage all parties to a matter attend mediation hearings.
A matter will not be entered for trial until the case manager has conducted a full evaluation of the matter at one or more case management conferences.