Some witnesses who are required to attend before the Chief Examiner may be able to get additional support throughout the examination process.
English as a second language
If English is your second language and you need help to understand what is said at an examination, the Office of Chief Examiner can arrange an interpreter.
If you believe you may need an interpreter, you or your legal representative should contact the Office of Chief Examiner as soon as possible.
Mental impairment
If you have what is known under the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act 2004 (Vic) as a ‘mental impairment’, you may choose to have an independent person present at your examination.
‘Mental impairment’ is defined in section 3 of that Act to include impairment because of mental illness, intellectual disability, dementia or brain injury.
An independent person is a volunteer, who is not attached to the Office of Chief Examiner. They can give you support and assistance, like making sure you understand a question. The Chief Examiner will allow you to speak to an independent person before and during your examination.
If you would like an independent person at your examination, you or your legal representative should contact the Office of Chief Examiner as soon as possible.
You will need to bring evidence of your mental impairment to your examination.
Witnesses aged under 18 years
If you are under 18 years of age, you may choose to have a parent, guardian or independent person (discussed above) present at your examination.
The Chief Examiner will allow you to speak to your parent, guardian or independent person before giving any evidence at your examination, or during the examination.
If you would like an independent person at your examination, you or your legal representative should contact the Office of Chief Examiner as soon as possible.
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