Got a jury summons in Victoria and not sure what it means for your job, your pay or your week? You are not alone, and most of it is simpler than it looks. This guide walks through who has to serve, who can be excused, how much you are paid, and what your employer must do. If you still have questions or you are worried about your situation, call our free legal information line on 1800 951 176.
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If you receive a jury summons in Victoria, you must respond. Jurors are paid $40 per day for the first six days and $80 per day after that, and your Victorian employer is generally required to top up your pay to what you would normally have earned. You can ask to be excused or to defer for genuine reasons such as illness, caring duties, hardship or distance. Ignoring a summons is an offence that can lead to a heavy fine. Below we explain the rules in plain English.
A lot of people treat a jury summons as something they simply have to put up with, and then panic about work or childcare at the last minute. You actually have options. If serving on the listed dates would cause you real difficulty, you can apply to be excused or to move your service to a later time. The key is to act early, give honest reasons, and provide any supporting documents (such as a medical certificate or a letter from your employer). Do not ignore the summons in the hope it goes away, because that is the one path that can land you in trouble.
What actually happens after you are summoned depends on your circumstances. Here are the common outcomes for people called for jury service in Victoria.
If you are unsure about your obligations, your eligibility, or a dispute with your employer over jury service, these free Victorian services can help.
The official body that runs jury service in Victoria. Best first stop for summons, eligibility, excusal, deferral and payment questions.
Free legal information and advice for Victorians, including help understanding your rights and obligations.
Free help on workplace rights, including pay and protection from being disadvantaged for community service such as jury duty.
Plain-language legal information and referrals to help you find the right service across Victoria.
How do I get out of jury duty in Victoria?
You cannot simply opt out, but you can apply to Juries Victoria to be excused or to defer your service. Recognised reasons include illness or poor health, caring for someone when no alternative care is available, financial or business hardship, advanced age, and living a long way from the court. Respond to the summons by the deadline, explain your situation honestly and attach any supporting documents, such as a medical certificate. Do not just fail to turn up, because that is an offence.
How much do you get paid for jury duty in Victoria?
Juries Victoria pays jurors $40 per day for the first six days of service and $80 per day from the seventh day onwards. At regional courts a travel allowance is also paid for the distance beyond a set number of kilometres, but no travel allowance is paid for Melbourne courts and parking is not reimbursed. Because these amounts are set under Victorian law and can change, confirm the current rates with Juries Victoria when you are summoned.
Does my employer have to pay me while I am on jury duty in Victoria?
Yes. Under the Juries Act 2000 (Vic), Victorian employers must make up the difference between the payment you receive from Juries Victoria and what you would normally have earned, so you are not left out of pocket. This 'make-up pay' applies for the whole length of your service and covers full-time, part-time and, in most cases, casual employees (but not independent contractors). Your employer also cannot sack you, threaten you or disadvantage you because you have been called for jury service.
How long does jury duty last in Victoria?
It varies. Many people attend the jury pool, are not selected, and are released the same day. If you are chosen for a trial, most criminal trials run for a few days, though some complex matters run for weeks. Jurors normally go home each night. When you respond to your summons you can raise any genuine difficulty with a longer period of service.
What happens if I do not show up for jury duty in Victoria?
Failing to attend after you have been summoned, without a reasonable excuse, is a criminal offence under the Juries Act 2000 (Vic). It can carry a fine of several thousand dollars or, in serious cases, a short term of imprisonment. If you have a genuine reason you cannot attend, apply to be excused or to defer well before the date rather than simply not turning up.
Who is exempt from jury duty in Victoria?
Some people are ineligible to serve, including lawyers, judicial officers, police and certain other officials, and people who cannot adequately understand English. Others are disqualified because of certain criminal convictions or sentences. Beyond those categories, anyone can apply to be excused for a good reason such as illness, caring responsibilities, hardship, distance or advanced age. Eligibility is assessed from the questionnaire you complete after being selected.
Is there an age exemption for jury duty in Victoria?
Advanced age is recognised as a 'good reason' to apply to be excused from jury service in Victoria, so older Victorians can ask to be excused on that basis. There is also a minimum age, as you must be an adult on the electoral roll to be called. Rather than assuming you are automatically exempt at a particular age, respond to the summons and apply to be excused, noting your age and any related circumstances.
Can I be excused if I am self-employed or running a business?
Possibly. Financial or business hardship is a recognised ground to apply to be excused or to defer your service, which is important if you are self-employed and there is no one to keep things running while you serve. Explain the impact clearly in your response to the summons and include any supporting information. Juries Victoria will decide based on your circumstances.
Is what we discuss in the jury room confidential?
Yes, and the protection is strict. Under the Juries Act 2000 (Vic) it is a serious offence to disclose the statements, opinions, arguments or votes made during a jury's deliberations where that information is likely to be published. The penalties are severe, including a very large fine or imprisonment. Even after a trial ends, you must not reveal what was said inside the jury room.
Do I have to be enrolled to vote to be called for jury duty?
Jurors in Victoria are selected at random from the Victorian electoral roll, so being enrolled to vote is what places you in the pool. Enrolment is compulsory for eligible Australian citizens, so most adults will be on the roll. Being summoned is simply the result of that random draw and does not reflect anything about you personally.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-19. Laws change — confirm current details with the linked official sources or call 1800 951 176.
Most jury service questions can be sorted out directly with Juries Victoria, and you will not need a lawyer just to respond to a summons. But there are times when legal advice helps: if your employer refuses to make up your pay or threatens your job, if you are facing a penalty for missing jury service, or if your situation is complicated, for example you are disqualified and unsure why, or you are worried about a conflict of interest in a trial. A short conversation can clarify your rights and the right next step. Our service can point you toward the right help.
Join our lawyer network →Jury service is a normal part of life in Victoria, and for most people it is straightforward once they understand the rules. If you are anxious about your job, your pay, a reason to be excused, or what happens if you cannot attend, talking it through can make a real difference. Call our free information line on 1800 951 176 and we can help you understand your options and connect you with a lawyer if you need one. Free legal information, not legal advice.
Call Free 1800 951 176Free legal information. Not legal advice.