About the Queensland Intermediary Scheme

The Queensland Intermediary Scheme (QIS) aims to overcome communication barriers and create a more accessible justice system by facilitating the communication of evidence that may not otherwise be heard.

QIS gets funding to help eligible witnesses in child sexual offence cases. This support will last until the end of the 2028/2029 financial year. Services are available in Brisbane and Cairns regions.

How the Queensland Intermediary Scheme works

Intermediaries are key in:

  • improving evidence quality
  • helping police, legal professionals, and courts understand the needs of vulnerable witnesses
  • enhancing access to justice
  • promoting respectful responses to child sexual offence allegations.

Who Can Benefit?

Vulnerable witnesses may find it hard to give evidence for a variety of reasons including:

  • very young or old age
  • cognitive impairments
  • trauma
  • learning disabilities
  • mental health conditions
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or autism.

Intermediaries from the QIS help courts, legal professionals and police obtain the best evidence by recommending adaptations to address the communication needs of vulnerable witnesses. A referral to QIS is made through Qld Police Service or the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Eligibility for intermediary support

Currently, QIS services are available to prosecution witnesses in child sexual offence cases in Brisbane and Cairns who:

  • are under 16 years old, or
  • have a mental impairment, or
  • have difficulty communicating.

Referrals to the QIS must be made by the Queensland Police Service or the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.  Referrals are made by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions following the court making an order appointing an intermediary for the witness.

If you think an intermediary could help a witness in a case outside these criteria, please email QIS to request consideration of an out-of-scope referral.

Relevant legislation

The framework for QIS is set under Chapter 2, Division 4C of the Evidence Act 1977 (Qld).

A ‘child sexual offence’ means any sexual offence against a child. This includes those in Chapter 22 (Offences against morality) and Chapter 32 (Rape and sexual assault) of the Criminal Code (Qld).

Special Measures for Vulnerable Witnesses

The QIS is one of a number of special measures to help vulnerable witnesses.

The Evidence Act 1977 (Qld) has several provisions to support vulnerable witnesses, such as:

  • pre-recording evidence before the trial so it can be played in court
  • allowing witnesses to give evidence from a separate room, away from the defendant
  • permitting a support person to be present during testimony
  • excluding the public from the courtroom during testimony or when pre-recorded evidence is played
  • enabling the court to control and stop improper questioning

Refer to the information for witnesses about going to court and giving evidence.

Support Services

QIS works with a number of support services in Queensland, including:

  • Victim Assist Queensland (VAQ): VAQ provides information, advice, and support for victims of crime. This includes details on victims’ rights, access to support services, and financial help.
  • Protect All Children Today Inc. (PACT): is a non-profit that supports children, young people, and vulnerable adults in the justice system. They focus on education, empowerment, and support to help witnesses give evidence.

For further assistance, contact these organisations or the QIS directly.

Contact

For further information or queries contact the QIS Team

Emailintermediaryscheme@justice.qld.gov.au
Phone(07) 3738 7503

More information

Resources