Queensland Consolidated Acts

EVIDENCE ACT 1977 - SECT 21AZP

21AZP Directions for holding directions hearings

(1) The court must, on making the order under which the intermediary is appointed, give a direction that a hearing under this subdivision (a
"directions hearing" ) be held in relation to the giving of evidence by the witness in the relevant proceeding.

(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent the court, with the consent of the parties to the relevant proceeding, holding the directions hearing immediately after making the order mentioned in subsection (1) .

(3) Also, at any stage of the relevant proceeding, the court may, on its own initiative or on the application of a party to the proceeding, give a direction that a further directions hearing be held in relation to the giving of evidence by the witness in the proceeding.

(4) In giving a direction under subsection (1) or (3) for the holding of a directions hearing, the court may, if it considers it appropriate, direct that—

(a) the intermediary prepare a written report for the court that states—

(i) the communication needs of the witness; and

(ii) the intermediary’s recommendations about the most effective way to communicate with the witness; or

(b) a stated person attend the hearing.

(5) The intermediary must comply with a direction given under subsection (4) (a) .