Speak Out December 2015

association news

video-link from her hospital. The defendant was convicted of 22/23 counts and sentenced to 14 years in prison. At sentencing the judge commended everyone who had enabled her to give evidence, including the intermediary. I saw first-hand the impact of the use of intermediaries on both the justice process and the individual themselves. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, the ability for witnesses to have a voice, and tell their story is incredibly empowering, and for many people helps them to move on from the trauma they have experienced. I loved being involved in making this happen, and am continuing to do what I can in the Australian context to raise awareness of the importance and value of intermediaries.

Mary Woodward Speech Pathologist and former Registered Intermediary

the Association has expressed concern around the titling and scope of these roles and the current plans to have ‘trained volunteers’ act in these roles rather than the use of appropriately experienced professionals. Speech Pathology Australia is maintaining its contact with the Attorney General’s Department as well as liaising with the Hon. Kelly Vincent, MLC, and representatives of the SA Law Society. A recent meeting between representatives of Speech Pathology Australia, Hon. Kelly Vincent and the President of the Law Society has ensured that the Association’s voice on this issue has been heard. Both Kelly Vincent and the Law Society committed to take the issue forward, addressing it from a cost/benefit point of view, in the media and with the Attorney General’s department, with an aim to replace volunteers with paid and professional intermediaries. Victoria In Victoria there is an Independent Third Party Program managed by the Office of the Public Advocate, which provides assistance for those undergoing police interviews, and general support throughout the prosecution process. Tasmania Recent work is occurring in Tasmania on a scheme to assist people with communication difficulties when interfacing with the justice system. A forum was hosted by the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute and involved the Attorney General, politicians and professionals, including speech pathology representatives. While this work is preliminary, an issues paper is due to be released in the near future. To join colleagues working in or with an interest in speech pathology services within the justice system, visit the soon to be launched Justice Member Community Facebook Group .

What’s happening around the country to support people who are vulnerable in the justice system, and have communication difficulties NSW In NSW, the Parliament recently passed the Criminal Procedure Amendment (Child Sexual Offence Evidence Pilot) Bill 2015, which is in relation to a three year pilot scheme reforming the way that children can give evidence in cases of child sexual assault. One of the changes includes the use of a paid intermediary (also known as a Children’s Champion) to facilitate the communication of the child witness. Victim’s Services within the NSW Department of Justice will be overseeing the pilot, which is due to commence on 1 April 2016, and in due course will be recruiting suitably qualified and interested professionals to be trained to act as intermediaries. Speech Pathology Australia made a submission to the ‘Children’s Champions and Pre-recording of Evidence’ discussion paper and also attended a round table consultation. South Australia In 2014, the South Australian Attorney General’s Department released the Disability Justice Plan 2014-2017 which included specific guidelines on ‘Supporting Vulnerable Witnesses in the Giving of Evidence’ with recognition given to those with intellectual impairment and communication difficulties. Speech Pathology Australia made submission on the early drafting of this plan and subsequent legislation, and in particular have maintained representations in relation to the implementation of a Communication Assistance Scheme, involving the use of ‘communication partners’ to assist those with complex communication needs. While the focus on those with communication difficulties is strongly commended,

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

Speak Out December 2015

9

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au