Right for Accused Persons to See and Hear Witnesses Giving Evidence
Criminal Procedure Amendment (Child Sexual Offence Evidence) Bill 2023
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Accused persons have the right to see and hear a witness giving evidence; this applies whether the witness is there in person or on a video link.
Witnesses must give evidence at a pre-recorded hearing unless the Court orders otherwise.
The Court cannot grant leave for certain proceedings unless specific satisfaction criteria are met.
Witness intermediaries must follow the same rules as interpreters under the Evidence Act 1995.
The relevant authority must review the Act's policy objectives and terms three years after the 2023 Amendment Act began.