Domestic violence complainants and other vulnerable witnesses will be empowered, thanks to new and upgraded remote witness rooms at Forster and Taree courthouses.
Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, said the projects were being delivered as part of a $9 million Commonwealth COVID-19 stimulus funding package.
The upgrades include:
• Forster Courthouse – an upgraded remote witness room, state-of-the-art audio-visual link equipment, new furniture and secure access doors; and
• Taree Courthouse – a new safe room and remote witness room, state-of-the-art audio-visual link equipment and secure access doors.
“It is heartening to see our community benefit from this investment, which will help vulnerable people feel safer when coming to court,” Mr Bromhead said.
“These improved facilities, which are now completed will give witnesses private and secure areas to prepare for court, to therefore be empowered to give their best evidence.”
As part of a suite of reforms passed last November, complainants in domestic violence criminal proceedings and related apprehended domestic violence order proceedings now have a prima facie entitlement to give evidence remotely via AVL and in a closed court.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63), NSW Rape Crisis (1800 424 017) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491). In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
