NSW will let assault victims record evidence in court
NSW will allow pre-recorded police interviews to count as victims' evidence in trials, starting with three court pilots in 2027.
The NSW government will introduce legislation on Tuesday to reduce trauma in sexual assault trials. Victims will give evidence via pre-recorded interviews with specialist police.
This means they won't have to answer questions in court or face the accused. Three courts, Parramatta, Wollongong and Dubbo, will test new 'ground rules' hearings.
These set limits on how victims are questioned, including topics, manner and length. Courts will also restrict lawyers' access to victims' private counselling records.
They'll need a judge's permission first. The pilot runs from 2027 to 2030 and costs $4.3 million.
Attorney-General Michael Daley called the reforms 'commonsense changes' that make the trial process 'more robust' for vulnerable witnesses.
- Parramatta, Wollongong, Dubbo
- Pilot courts
- 2027 to 2030
- Timeline
- $4.3 million
- Investment
Why it mattersSexual assault victims often face hostile questioning and loss of access to therapy. These changes aim to reduce trauma so more people pursue justice.
AustraliaNSW residents in Parramatta, Wollongong and Dubbo will see these protections first from 2027; if successful, other Australian states may adopt similar reforms.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au·theage.com.au
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