Sweeping changes to make court less traumatising for victims have passed Parliament, after being delayed by the timing of the State election.
The new Evidence Bill means body-worn camera footage can be used instead, so victim-survivors of family violence, child abuse and sexual assault do not have to re-live their ordeal in court.
Alleged victims will also be able to request to give evidence remotely via video link, harassing or “humiliating” cross-examination will be banned, and judges will be barred from giving juries a so-called “Longman” warning - that delayed sexual assault complaints may lack credibility.
“This legislation sets a new benchmark for how victim-survivors are treated in the justice system,” Attorney-General Tony Buti said.
“It strengthens protections and support for