Queensland Intermediary Scheme

### ⚖️ Project Overview The **Department of Justice (DoJ)** in Queensland is seeking qualified professionals for the **Queensland Intermediary Scheme (QIS)**. This initiative was established following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The primary objective is to support vulnerable witnesses—specifically children under 16 and adults with communication difficulties or mental impairments—during criminal proceedings related to sexual offences. ### 📋 Key Requirements and Scope Intermediaries act as independent officers of the court, not as advocates or expert witnesses. Their core responsibility is to assess witnesses and provide expert advice to police and judicial officers on communication strategies to ensure the 'best evidence' is obtained. While the scheme is legislated for **Brisbane and Cairns**, services may extend to other regions and offence types, including domestic violence and serious violent crimes. ### 🎯 Desired Outcomes * Facilitation of clear communication between witnesses and the legal system. * Adherence to the *Evidence Act 1977* and *Practice Direction No 7 of 2021*. * Improved justice outcomes through specialized witness assessment and support. ### 🔍 Searchable Keywords Justice Department, Intermediary Services, Child Sexual Abuse Support, Mental Impairment Communication, Court Support, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health Services, Social Services Queensland, Legal Support Services.