Video Statements as Evidence
Instead of telling their story in the witness box, many witnesses may soon give the first part of their evidence by pre-recorded video conversations with Queensland police officers (Video Recorded Evidence in Chief – VREC).
Legal Aid Queensland identified several problems from the pilot program. What is proposed also removes many of the safeguards in the pilot.
“It is [Legal Aid Queensland]’s strong view that a comprehensive review of the VREC pilot ought to be undertaken before the pilot is extended state-wide. LAQ notes that in 2024 the pilot was extended to “enable further consideration of the use and effectiveness of the VREC”. There is no data or information that indicates whether the pilot was successful in achieving its stated purposes.” [1]
On the other hand, the Queensland Law Society was more supportive.
“… [The Queensland Law Society] do not oppose the proposed legislative amendments that will expand the VREC scheme to Magistrates Court statewide.”[2]
[1] https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/com/EDUCATIONA-7015/DFVPOLAB20-3862/submissions/00000053.pdf
[2] https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/com/EDUCATIONA-7015/DFVPOLAB20-3862/submissions/00000071.pdf