Expanded witness protections and recorded evidence rules for victims of serious crimes
Evidence (Pre-trial Special Hearings) Amendment Bill 2026
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Alleged victims of stalking and domestic choking can now access special witness protections.
Alleged victims of serious harm can now access special witness protections.
Victims of child abuse can access these protections regardless of their age during the trial.
Courts can now admit recorded evidence for any criminal charge.
Courts can admit recorded evidence during pre-trial special hearings.
Recorded evidence for victims of sexual offences can be admitted before the trial starts.
The law expands the list of serious offences against the person to include stalking and domestic choking.
The definition of sexual offences now includes attempts or conspiracies to commit those crimes.