Automatic Witness Assistance Team referrals pilot

Since June 2025, the Office is piloting a process to automate Witness Assistance Team (WAT) referrals for victims, witnesses and family members who are most likely to need assistance to participate in the prosecution process. This includes victims or witnesses who are children or young people, victims of family, domestic and sexual violence offences, and victims or witnesses who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse. The purpose of this pilot is to ensure timely access to WAT for victims who meet the criteria, so that they can be referred to appropriate services, provided information about the matter involving them and appropriately supported in any meetings they have with the Office.