What is the Witness Intermediary Scheme?
The Witness Intermediary Scheme is a statewide program that introduces the use of witness intermediaries to assist children and adults with communication needs better participate in the criminal justice system.
A panel of trained and qualified witness intermediaries take part in the Scheme.
The pilot was announced in March 2021 and ran for three years. The Scheme now continues as an established program.
An evaluation of the pilot's first 12 months (PDF, 698.7 KB) revealed a high level of support for the Scheme among evaluation participants and its positive contribution to the criminal justice process in Tasmania.
Building on Solid Foundations: The 2024 Review of Tasmania’s Witness Intermediary Scheme (PDF, 799.7 KB) is a report on the three-year review conducted by Professor Penny Cooper. The report provides advice on issues relevant to policy, scope and eligibility criteria for intermediaries in Tasmania.
In addition to the three-year review, the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government's Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings (Commission of Inquiry) made two recommendations relevant to the Witness Intermediary Scheme.
The priority of the Tasmanian Government is to implement Commission of Inquiry recommendations, with this work already underway. It has also provided in-principle support for Professor Penny Cooper’s recommendations, the implementation of which will be subject to future consideration.
What is a witness intermediary?
A witness intermediary is a trained professional with specialist skills in communication.
Witness intermediaries act impartially and assist with communication between vulnerable witnesses and courts, lawyers, and police.
Witness intermediaries have professional backgrounds in areas such as psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy and mental health nursing, as well as in working with vulnerable adults and children.
When are witness intermediaries used?
The Witness Intermediary Scheme makes witness intermediaries available to eligible witnesses in matters relating to sexual offences and homicide.
The law that sets out the scope and procedure for the use of witness intermediaries in Tasmanian courts is the Evidence (Children and Special Witnesses) Act 2001.
Witness intermediaries are also available to Tasmania Police for the purposes of interviewing witnesses during police investigations.
How can I find out more?
If you’re interested in learning more about the Witness Intermediary Scheme, contact the Child Abuse Royal Commission Unit via:
- intermediary@justice.tas.gov.au
- Calling 03 6165 4802.
Useful resources
Witness Intermediary Scheme Pilot: The 2024 Review
Building on Solid Foundations: The 2024 Review of Tasmania’s Witness Intermediary Scheme (PDF, 799.7 KB) is a report on the three-year review conducted by Professor Penny Cooper. The report provides advice on issues relevant to policy, scope and eligibility criteria for intermediaries in Tasmania.