❓ Hon Michelle Boylan questions the Attorney General regarding the absence of prerecorded evidence reforms in the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy 2025–2035 and the accessibility of alternative evidence-giving methods for regional WA survivors. The Attorney General's response highlights existing protections within the Evidence Act 2025.
AnsweredQoN 1303Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Australian Law Reform Commission—Report 1431303.Hon Michelle Boylanto theparliamentary
secretary representing the Attorney General:I refer to
recommendations 28 to 30 of Australian Law Reform Commission report 143 on the greater
use of prerecorded testimony, an issue that remains in Western Australia after
the passage of theEvidence Act 2025, and to
theSexual Violence Prevention and Response
Strategy 2025–2035, which includes no commitment to improving
how survivors give evidence.(1)
Why were prerecorded evidence reforms not included in theSexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy 2025–2035?(2)
When will survivors in regional WA have an easier way to give evidence than
having to testify in a traditional courtroom?
secretary representing the Attorney General:I refer to
recommendations 28 to 30 of Australian Law Reform Commission report 143 on the greater
use of prerecorded testimony, an issue that remains in Western Australia after
the passage of theEvidence Act 2025, and to
theSexual Violence Prevention and Response
Strategy 2025–2035, which includes no commitment to improving
how survivors give evidence.(1)
Why were prerecorded evidence reforms not included in theSexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy 2025–2035?(2)
When will survivors in regional WA have an easier way to give evidence than
having to testify in a traditional courtroom?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
11 December 2025
Response time
0 days
Hon Dan Caddy replied:I thank the member
for some notice of the question.(1)
Implementation of theSexual Violence Prevention
and Response Strategy 2025–2035is guided by action plans.
Action item 18 in theFirst Action Planrelates to the implementation of theEvidence Act
2025.(2)
The act contains significant protections and assistance measures for victims of
sexual assault. It maintains and improves two currently available witness
assistance measures—prerecording orders and video link separation
orders. Courts will be permitted to make these orders in any circumstances they
consider appropriate. The act also provides that witnesses who are complainants
in criminal sexual assault matters are to automatically be treated as special
witnesses, which entitles them to certain supports and assistance. As stated
during Parliament's consideration of the legislation, approximately 18 months
is required to prepare for its commencement.
Australian Law Reform Commission—Report 143
for some notice of the question.(1)
Implementation of theSexual Violence Prevention
and Response Strategy 2025–2035is guided by action plans.
Action item 18 in theFirst Action Planrelates to the implementation of theEvidence Act
2025.(2)
The act contains significant protections and assistance measures for victims of
sexual assault. It maintains and improves two currently available witness
assistance measures—prerecording orders and video link separation
orders. Courts will be permitted to make these orders in any circumstances they
consider appropriate. The act also provides that witnesses who are complainants
in criminal sexual assault matters are to automatically be treated as special
witnesses, which entitles them to certain supports and assistance. As stated
during Parliament's consideration of the legislation, approximately 18 months
is required to prepare for its commencement.
Australian Law Reform Commission—Report 143
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