Evidence Act changes welcome
29/11/2011
Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent welcomes the Attorney-General’s announcement that changes will be made so the Evidence Act is more inclusive of people with disabilities.
Ms Vincent has been lobbying for change of the Evidence Act since speaking to South Australians with disabilities who have been alienated by their experiences with the justice system. She has set up a select committee to inquire into the problems, and is glad that Attorney-General John Rau has now also turned his attention to the issue.
“It is fantastic that the Government has recognised the weaknesses in the current system, and is responding by developing changes to the legislation,” said Ms Vincent.
“The Evidence Act as it stands could and does prevent some people with disabilities from giving evidence. This is a fundamental injustice which discriminates against people with disabilities.”
Mr Rau today announced changes including legislative provisions which will allow for audio-visual evidence to be tendered in court as chief evidence and plans to better train police who are interviewing people with disabilities.
“When someone is a victim of crime, or accused of a crime, they expect to have a fair hearing in court,” said Ms Vincent. “There are so many things stopping people with disabilities from realising this basic human right, and the Government is addressing some of those barriers with these changes.”
However, Ms Vincent is still concerned that more reforms are needed.
“This is a very positive step, but it does nothing to improve access to the justice system for people with communication difficulties,” she said.
“We must be sure to look at all the potential problems in the justice system for people with all kinds of disabilities. This may mean employing facilitators to help with communication in court, as they do in the UK or using other progressive techniques to address other problems.
“I am pleased the Attorney-General is making these changes, and I hope that this is the start of long term and broad reaching reforms in the way our justice system treats people with disabilities.”
