What it means
In camera describes a hearing or part of a hearing conducted privately, rather than in open court. The public and media are excluded so sensitive matters can be dealt with discreetly. Australian courts may sit in camera to protect children, vulnerable witnesses, national security, or confidential commercial information. It is an exception to the general principle of open justice, used only where privacy genuinely outweighs the public interest in an open hearing.
How it's used
Because the case involved a child witness, the magistrate ordered that the evidence be heard in camera.