The Evidence (Children and Special Witnesses) Amendment Bill 2024 has passed the Legislative Council.
The passing of the Bill progresses recommendation 16.11(1), from the Commission of Inquiry, to expand and clarify the operation of special measures in the Evidence (Children and Special Witnesses) Act 2001.
The Bill makes a number of amendments to the Act, such as providing greater support for children and young people in proceedings relating to child sexual abuse and for the use of screens and partitions in court to obscure a witness who is an 'affected person'.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said that the Tasmanian Government is continuing to deliver on their solemn promise.
"The Commission of Inquiry has allowed our Government to make meaningful and effective change to better protect Tasmania's most vulnerable," the Attorney-General said.
"We will deliver all 191 recommendations, and the passing of this Bill through the Legislative Council reinforces this commitment.
"Our Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future seeks to make Tasmania the very best it can be, and the progression of critical legislation is one tool we will use to deliver it."
