Victorian Consolidated Regulations Victorian Consolidated Regulations(1) Not less than 35 days after the defendant has filed an appearance or, if there are two or more defendants, after the defendant who appears first has filed an appearance, the Court may hold a directions hearing in the proceeding at a time and place which the Court appoints.
(2) The Court shall serve notice of the time and place of the directions hearing—
(a) on the plaintiff; and
(b) on any party who has filed an appearance—
at the address for the service of the party in the proceeding.
(3) Nothing in this Rule shall affect the right of the plaintiff to enter or apply for judgment if the defendant does not serve a defence within the time limited.