Exploring the role of intermediaries in criminal justice processes
What you'll learn
CPD areas: Professional skills; Ethics & professional responsibility
This webinar explores the role of intermediaries in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and NSW and the differences between them, based on the findings of evaluations of the 2016– 2019 Child Sexual Offence Evidence Pilot (now a program across NSW) and the ACT Intermediary Program. The evaluations found strong consensus in both NSW and ACT that intermediaries make an important contribution in facilitating questioning and communication with child complainants and witnesses by police and at court.
These measures have been seen to go some way to ‘level the playing field’ in communicative capacities for child witnesses, helping to reduce the stress of the investigatory and prosecution process for them and helping complainants and witnesses to give better quality evidence.
The webinar also explores the role of intermediaries as agents of cultural change — shifting professional norms and professional practice. There is some evidence from police and legal professionals that witness intermediaries have been able to play an educative role in developmentally appropriate and effective questioning and the use of aids by police and prosecution lawyers.
Once enrolled, you will be provided a link to the recording and can watch on demand from Thursday 26 November 2026.
Presenters: Prof Emerita Judy Cashmore and Prof Rita Shackel
2026/27 Criminal Law
CPD Series
This webinar is part of the 2026/27 Criminal Law CPD Series features eight recorded webinars led by experts from the University of Sydney and the legal profession.
The webinars share practical knowledge and experience, as well as the latest developments to enhance your expertise while meeting CPD requirements. You'll have the flexibility to access the content at your convenience, allowing you to engage at your own pace from any location at any time.
Enrolment options include:
- Enrol in individual webinars*
- Enrol in the entire series at a 27% saving compared to enrolling in webinars individually*
- Enrol in 5 or more webinars to receive a 10% discount
University of Sydney alumni and staff are eligible to receive a further 10% discount.
See the SeriesCPD accreditation
Information for lawyers and barristers
If this educational activity is relevant to your professional development and practice of the law, then you should claim 1.5 MCLE/CPD points per webinar or 12 units for the full series. Practitioners are advised to check with the CPD governing body in their jurisdiction for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Find out about interstate accreditation.
This course is designed for lawyers and barristers aiming to meet their annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. It's also suitable for anyone interested in staying informed about the latest developments in criminal law.
This is a pre-recorded online webinar. Once enrolled, you will be provided a link to the recording and can watch on demand from Thursday, 27 February 2025.
Materials
All course materials are delivered online via a video link and password provided by email at the time of enrolment.
Software
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Please see our Payment Options for further information.
I have enrolled in a Sydney Short Courses course, what happens now?
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Upcoming classes
Related courses
Facilitators
Judy Cashmore