Gunnedah murder case adjourned in Tamworth Local Court as lawyers continue discussions in case conference

The accused, who cannot be identified because she is a juvenile, did not appear in Tamworth Children's Court when her case was called on Wednesday morning.

The court was told the case conference - where the defence and the DPP discuss issues in the matter - had not yet been completed.

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Legal Aid solicitor Wendy McAuliffe said she would be making a "joint application for adjournment".

"We are part way through the case conference process," Ms McAuliffe said.

Magistrate Julie Soars questioned lawyers about the progress of the case, and asked whether the matter would progress to the "committal" stage at the next occasion, where the accused would enter a plea.

"I'm not sure at this stage Your Honour ... we will do our best," Ms McAuliffe replied.

Ms Soars said the case had not been "around" in the court system for "too long", and ultimately adjourned the matter for two months.

"Bail not applied for, refused today," Ms Soars said.

Ms Soars reinforced a strict suppression order to media during a closed session of court, meaning much of the case cannot be reported for legal reasons.

The girl, who has been in custody since her arrest in July, has not been required to enter a plea to the single charge of murder. She is yet to appear in court.

Oxley police allege the murder occurred at a property on the outskirts of Gunnedah on the morning of July 8. The accused was arrested later that morning at a nearby farm.

Much of the detail, including the nature of the victim's injuries, cannot be reported for legal reasons, but senior police previously described it as "horrific".

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