Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1991

A court may appoint an intermediary for a witness in a criminal proceeding only if—

the intermediaries administrator is satisfied the intermediary has qualifications, training, experience or skills suitable for the witness; and

if the intermediary is a designated person—the court is satisfied—

there is no other suitable intermediary reasonably available; and

the appointment is in the interests of justice.

In making a decision under subsection (1), the court is not bound by the rules of evidence and may inform itself as it considers appropriate.

In this section:

designated person, in relation to a criminal proceeding, means a person who is—

a relative, friend or acquaintance of the witness or the accused person; or

a person who has assisted the witness (other than as an intermediary) or the accused person in a professional capacity; or

a party or potential witness in the proceeding.