Criminal Procedure Act 2009

A preliminary brief must be served personally on the accused in accordance with section 391 unless the informant is satisfied that ordinary service is appropriate in all the circumstances.

In considering whether to effect service of a preliminary brief by ordinary service, the informant must consider whether it is an appropriate method of service in all the circumstances as known by the informant including—

the nature and gravity of the alleged offence;

whether the accused has previously been found guilty or convicted of any similar offence;

the period of time that has elapsed since the accused's address for service was ascertained;

the manner of service of the summons to answer to the charge.