With the new Sexual Offence Expert Evidence Panel (Panel) commencing operations in Townsville and Brisbane on 3 February 2025, the Panel Program Team would like to invite you to attend an information session about the Panel on Wednesday 19 February 2025.

The Panel, comprising of suitably qualified experts, is being piloted in response to recommendations for the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, Hear her voice: Report 2 and recent legislation changes to introduce affirmative consent.

Whilst legislative changes will allow experts to be called to give evidence as to a defendant’s capacity to ascertain or seek affirmative consent throughout Queensland, the Panel will, at the request of a party, provide and fund experts to give evidence in matters before specified courts in Brisbane and Townsville.

The information session will cover the relevant legislative changes and details of the program including key objectives, eligibility, processes involved, and how the program may impact sexual offence proceedings.

Information Session Details:

Speakers: The Program Team as introduced by His Honour Judge John Coker DCJ.

Date: Wednesday 19th February 2025

Time: The venue will open at 3:45pm with light refreshments provided. The session will commence at 4:00pm and conclude by 5:00pm.

Location: Townsville Courthouse, 31 Walker Street, Townsville or online. Those attending online will receive a link via email to join, prior to the session.

Catering: Light refreshments will be provided for those attending in person.

RSVP: Please RSVP by Monday 17th February 2025, 10:00am.