Queensland Intermediary Scheme Practitioner Workshop - Cairns

District Court Legal Practitioner Workshop (Cairns)

As we approach the fifth anniversary of when the Queensland Intermediary Scheme (QIS) was first piloted, His Honour Judge Morzone KC and the QIS’ Program Team would like to invite you to a workshop showcasing the scheme and how it supports the legal process for vulnerable witnesses.

Overview of the session:

The QIS, which operates in Brisbane and Cairns, commenced operation on 5 July 2021 in response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Commission) Criminal Justice Report (2017). The QIS supports children under 16 years and adults with an impairment of the mind or communication difficulty who are the complainants of, or witnesses to, child sexual offences by providing intermediaries who assess the complainant/witness and make recommendations to police, the parties and the courts about how to communicate with them to obtain their best evidence.

The QIS is facilitated by provisions in the Evidence Act 1977, Evidence Regulation 2017 and Practice Direction No 7 of 2021.

This session will provide an update on the operation of the QIS including some highlights from the data as well as information from Queensland Intermediaries about what happens at an assessment; how communication needs/adjustments are tested; and their processes for preparing court reports including quality assurance processes. The session will also include practical information about, and techniques for, framing questions for children and vulnerable witnesses.

Information Session Details:

Date: Wednesday 18 March 2026.

Time: The session will commence at 5:15pm with light refreshments will be available from 5pm.

Location: Supreme and District Court, 5D Sheridan Street, Cairns QLD or online.
Those attending online will receive a link via email to join, prior to the session.  

RSVP: Please RSVP by COB Friday 13 March 2026.

What practitioners can expect:

• Networking and light refreshments will be available from 5:00pm for a 5.15 start.

• Practitioners may be eligible to claim CPD points.

• Participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions relating to the scheme. Participants are encouraged to consider providing questions on notice to the Program Team prior to the session via email to intermediaryscheme@justice.qld.gov.au

To register to attend this event in person or online please click on the Register button.

We look forward to your participation.

Further information about the Queensland Intermediary Scheme can be accessed from the Queensland Courts website.