Vulnerable witnesses will be empowered to give their best evidence when attending court in Moree and Boggabilla with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, today announcing new safety measures being installed, with Moree Court House Registrar Annie Goater.
Monday, 2 August 2021
DOMESTIC violence complainants and other vulnerable witnesses will be empowered to give their evidence when attending court in Moree and Boggabilla, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing $120,000 in security and accessibility upgrades across the two court houses.
Mr Marshall said it was heartening to see added protections being installed to ensure vulnerable complainants and witnesses felt safe, during what could be a very stressful experience.
“Witnesses have commonly been through serious trauma and coming to court can be very difficult, especially for victim-survivors of domestic, family, and sexual violence,” Mr Marshall said.
“In order to alleviate some of that pressure, the State Government is using the down period caused by COVID-19 to improve safety and comfort at a number of local courts.
“At Moree Court House the existing safe-room will be upgraded, acoustic work will be undertaken throughout the building and secure access doors will be installed.
“Accessibility for the elderly and those with restricted mobility will be improved with the addition of a new disability access toilet.
“These works will be carried North West based contractor Shay Brennan Constructions and are expected to be complete by the end of this year.”
Mr Marshall said Boggabilla Court House would be modernised to provide remote court services.
“Sitting on the first Wednesday of each month, Boggabilla Court House plays an important role in NSW’s local court system,” he said.
“In an exciting development the building will have a remote witness room installed with state-of-the-art audio-visual link technology.
“This will enable vulnerable people like children and people with a cognitive impairment, to communicate evidence to the courtroom by means of closed circuit television facilities.
“New furniture and secure access doors will be added throughout the building.
“These investments are part of an ongoing commitment to support victim-survivors if they choose to report to police, and to help them feel confident in coming to court.”