NSW: Govt foreshadows overhaul of sexual assault procedures

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2006
NSW: Govt foreshadows overhaul of sexual assault procedures

SYDNEY, April 8 AAP - NSW has foreshadowed a major overhaul of sexual assault court
procedures, designed to make it easier for victims to attain legal justice.

Following the release of a government Sexual Assault Taskforce report containing more
than 70 recommendations, Attorney General Bob Debus raised possible reforms the government
will pursue.

The reforms include a new statutory definition of consent, improving instructions to
juries and improved education programs for police, lawyers and judges.

It is expected that many of the legislative amendments would be introduced later during
the current parliamentary session, subject to cabinet approval, Mr Debus said.

"My department has now begun to prioritise the recommendations and will consult with
the courts and all the relevant agencies and interest groups," Mr Debus said in a statement.

"The low rates of reporting these serious crimes and the high attrition rates remain
a concern for the government and the community at large.

"We are committed to continuing to provide support for the victims of sexual assault
and to do all we can to help them seek justice in our courts," he said.

A recent report by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research showed only one
in ten of the more than 7,000 sexual and indecent assault incidents reported to NSW Police
each year result in a guilty verdict in court.

AAP ag/evt

KEYWORD: SEXUAL

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