Online hearings were introduced at the Melbourne Magistrates' court in May in response to the coronavirus pandemic to reduce the need for people to attend court buildings.

The pilot has now expanded to courts in Ballarat and Geelong.

Chief Magistrate Judge Lisa Hannan said the coronavirus pandemic meant courts had to find innovative ways to ensure Victorians could continue to access justice.

"We are very aware that social distancing will be with us for some time and it will not be possible for us to have large numbers of people gathered in our buildings in the foreseeable future," she said.

"The health and safety of our judicial officers, staff and court users remains our highest priority, and online hearings provide us with a safe way to ensure we can progress matters in a timely manner."

Judge Hannan said the court had adjourned and now re-listed more than 60,000 matters statewide over the past three months.

"The Online Magistrates' Court will be critical in assisting us to address the backlog of matters that have been adjourned due to coronavirus," she said.

"As we move into recovery mode, we need to ensure we can provide the maximum number of hearings possible for the people of Victoria.

"Justice has not changed - it is just the mode of delivery that's different."

A broad range of matters have been heard online with all parties able to appear from remote locations.

All jurisdictions of the court statewide are now capable of hearing cases online, with matters heard and finalised in crime, civil, family violence and for the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.

More than 100 matters have been heard online since the pilot started.

Court staff are working with all participants and major agencies to identify matters suitable for Online Magistrates' Court hearings.

The County Court of Victoria and Supreme Court of Victoria has also been using video conference for some matters throughout the pandemic.

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