Call to leave sexual past alone

The Government looks set to introduce a ban on evidence or questioning someone’s sexual reputation during sexual violence court cases.

Yesterday, Justice Minister Andrew Little tabled the Government’s response to the Law Commission’s review of the Evidence Act 2006, confirming that further changes were required.

It was already progressing six of the commission’s recommendations that were made in March, relating to sexual and family violence, which will be included in legislation to be introduced later this year.

In May, the Government announced a $320 million package aimed at reducing family and sexual violence.

It had now accepted a further 12 recommendations, including that the Evidence Regulations 2007 be reviewed and modernised, Little said.

This included ensuring that the act worked better for certain groups, such as complainants and witnesses in sexual violence and family violence cases, he said.

The Government will consider the remaining recommendations in the coming months but some will have implications for how the courts operate, which need to be given further thought, he said.