Section 34M(2) of the Evidence Act 1929 (SA) does not prohibit examination of the reasons proffered by a complainant for a delayed complaint or failure to complain, nor does it prohibit examination of the veracity of such reasons; what is prohibited is comment on the delay itself as probative of credibility. Where a specific motive to lie has been put to a complainant in cross-examination, either party may comment on the plausibility of that motive without contravening the Palmer v The Queen principle.
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