Increased funding of $9.3 million over four years for the Queensland Intermediary Scheme (QIS) to improve vulnerable witnesses’ access to justice was recently announced in the State Budget.
During its first four years of operation, the QIS received 600 referrals to provide communication assistance to vulnerable witnesses to child sexual offences in Brisbane and Cairns courts.
The Queensland Law Society has long advocated for the use of intermediaries in its Call to Parties statements.
The scheme has been funded to continue to offer its services until the end of June 2029.
The QIS is facilitated by provisions in Part 2, Division 4C of the Evidence Act 1977 (Qld) and applies to witnesses of child sexual offences who are under 16 years; have an impairment of the mind; or have difficulty communicating.
It started on 5 July 2021 in response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutionalised Responses to Child Sexual Abuse made in 2017.
Further information about the QIS is available at www.courts.qld.gov.au/services/queensland-intermediary-scheme
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