389IFunctions of intermediaries

389I Functions of intermediaries S. 389I(1) amended by No. 1/2026 s. 80(2)(a). (1) The functions of an intermediary are— (a) to communicate or explain to a witness for whom an intermediary is appointed, questions put to the witness to the extent necessary to enable them to be understood by the witness; and S. 389I(1)(b) amended by No. 1/2026 s. 80(2)(b). (b) to communicate or explain to a person asking questions of a witness for whom an intermediary is appointed, the answers given by the witness in reply to the extent necessary to enable them to be understood by the person; and S. 389I(1)(c) inserted by No. 1/2026 s. 80(2)(c). (c) to provide recommendations to the court regarding effective communication with the witness; and S. 389I(1)(d) inserted by No. 1/2026 s. 80(2)(c). (d) to otherwise assist the court and any legal representative of a party to the proceeding to communicate with the witness. S. 389I(1A) inserted by No. 1/2026 s. 80(3). (1A) An intermediary may provide the recommendations referred to in subsection (1)(c) in the form of a written report. S. 389I(1B) inserted by No. 1/2026 s. 80(3). (1B) An intermediary may perform the function referred to in subsection (1)(d) at a hearing or as the court otherwise directs. (2) An intermediary is an officer of the court and has a duty to act impartially when assisting communication with the witness. S. 389J inserted by No. 5/2018 s. 25.