Crimes Act 1914

In a proceeding for a Commonwealth offence, the court may declare a person to be a special witness in relation to the proceeding if satisfied that the person is unlikely to be able to satisfactorily give evidence in the ordinary manner because of:

a disability; or

intimidation, distress or emotional trauma arising from:

the person’s age, cultural background or relationship to a party to the proceeding; or

the nature of the evidence; or

some other relevant factor.

Such a declaration can also be made in a related proceeding (see subsection 15Y(5)).

A declaration under subsection (1) may be made on the court’s own initiative or on application by or on behalf of a party to the proceeding.

In a special witness proceeding, the court may order that one or more of the following provisions apply to a special witness:

Division 2A (evidence recording hearings);

section 15YG (about unrepresented defendants);

section 15YH (about represented defendants);

section 15YHA (about cross‑examinations at committal proceedings);

section 15YI (about closed‑circuit television);

section 15YL (about alternative arrangements);

section 15YM (about use of video or audio recordings of interviews);

section 15YNB (about original evidence admissible in new proceedings);

section 15YO (about accompanying adults);

section 15YP (about excluding people from the courtroom);

subparagraph 15YR(1)(c)(iii) (about publications that identify vulnerable persons).

An order under subsection (3) may be made on the court’s own initiative or on application by or on behalf of the special witness.