83Legal costs of witnesses

83 Legal costs of witnesses

(1)  A witness may apply to the chief executive officer for financial assistance in relation to the witness's legal costs.

(2)  In determining whether to approve the payment of financial assistance to a witness, the chief executive officer may have regard to the following matters:

(a) whether the witness has shown that he or she had a valid reason to seek legal representation;

(b) the significance of the evidence that the witness is to give or appears likely to give;

(c) whether in all the circumstances, it would be a hardship or injustice for the witness to bear the costs;

(d) the nature and possible effect of any findings made about the witness;

(e) any other relevant matter.

(3)  If legal costs of the witness are approved to be paid under subsection (1) , the costs are to be taxed by a taxing officer of the Supreme Court.

(4)  If the chief executive officer approves the payment of financial assistance to a witness, the chief executive officer may authorise the payment of the financial assistance.

(5)  The financial assistance may be provided unconditionally or subject to conditions determined by the chief executive officer.

(6)  The chief executive officer may delegate any of his or her functions under this section.