SIMON Corbell says he is legislating to provide witnesses who give evidence at a coronial inquest or inquiry with additional legal protections.

“The changes to the Coroners Act will protect witnesses against self-incrimination, as is consistent with the Human Rights Act,” Simon says.

“Previously witnesses did not have this privilege, and by providing it, we give an important protection that will mean better outcomes for inquests and inquiries. These changes also bring the ACT into line with other jurisdictions.”

The announcement is one of a raft of changes proposed by Attorney-General Simon Corbell as part of the Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2015.

Amendments made in the JACS Bill also change the way court security officers conduct searches within the territory’s courts.

“This amendment will mean that for security searches in court premises, including the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, security officers will have to comply with any written policy about court searches that is made by the chief justice, the chief magistrate or the general president of the tribunal,” Mr Corbell said.