Gunnedah murder case: Tamworth court told Legal Aid and prosecutors to hold more discussions in child murder case

The girl, who cannot be identified, did not appear in a closed session of Tamworth Children's Court on Wednesday morning.

Legal Aid solicitor Rae Parker said her client was not required on video link from juvenile detention, where she has been held since she was refused bail after her arrest in Gunnedah nine months ago.

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

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The young girl faces one charge of murder, but has not been required to enter a plea.

DPP solicitor Max Dickson said there had been some discussions between the Crown and defence.

"There was a case of conference of sorts," he told the court.

"The Crown is seeking a further six weeks for further conferencing to occur."

He said the parties had not been able to decide on a new date for the conference, but would advise the court.

"Are we thinking it will be for committal on the next occasion?" Ms Soars asked.

"Maybe, thank you, Your Honour," Ms Parker said.

Ms Soars said it was "approaching the one year anniversary of the charge", and told the court she was hopeful of progress in the case on the next occasion.

"No application for bail today," she said.

The case was adjourned to June.

The girl is yet to appear in court for the case.

Oxley detectives allege the murder occurred at a property on the outskirts of Gunnedah on the morning of July 8, 2020.

The accused was arrested later that morning at a nearby farm. She has been in custody since, and has not made a bail application.

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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