Imagine summoning the courage to take your abuser to court, only to walk into the courtroom and find them sitting metres away from you, with no screen, no barrier, and no way to give your evidence safely. This is being reported in some regional NSW courts. Due to limited or no audio-visual link (AVL) technology at certain local courthouses, victim-survivors in these areas may find themselves in close proximity to the person they are seeking protection against.
The consequences can be serious, including victims withdrawing from proceedings and hearings being adjourned or impacted. Some matters may not proceed as intended when safe participation arrangements are unavailable.
Reporting by regional media outlets, including the Moree Champion, Inverell Times, and Northern Daily Leader has brought this issue to attention in April 2026. This article explains what AVL is, where the gaps have been reported, what the government has done so far, and, most importantly, what you can do if you need protection right now.
What Is AVL Technology and Why Does It Matter in DV Cases?
Audio-visual link (AVL) technology allows victims, witnesses, and defendants to participate in court proceedings by video link, rather than appearing in person. In domestic violence matters, this is particularly important. Being required to appear in the same room as an alleged perpetrator can cause significant distress, and in some cases may deter victims from proceeding at all.
According to research published by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) in 2025, based on interviews with 37 justice professionals across NSW, infrastructure limitations remain one of the most significant barriers to effective AVL use in regional courts.
Good to know: The Evidence (Audio and Audio Visual Links) Act 1998 (NSW) allows evidence to be given by AVL in appropriate cases, and domestic violence reforms support remote evidence options for complainants. Where AVL is not available, lawyers can seek directions or adjournments and ask the court to consider alternative arrangements — though this will depend on the circumstances of each case.
Which Regional Courts Have Been Reported as Having AVL Shortages?
Courts reported as having AVL shortages include Quirindi, Moree, Inverell and Gunnedah, with Tamworth taking overflow matters from nearby courts. The situation at Quirindi has been particularly highlighted in recent reporting.
In September 2025, NSW State MP Kevin Anderson publicly raised concerns that Quirindi courthouse had been reported as lacking AVL capability, raising questions about access to fair and equitable justice. Cases that cannot proceed safely at Quirindi are referred to Tamworth, placing additional strain on police and court resources in that area.
It is important to note that this reporting covers specific identified courts, and should not be taken as a statement about regional NSW courts generally. Many regional courts do have AVL facilities.
What Can Happen When Safe Participation Arrangements Are Unavailable?
Where AVL or other safety measures are not available, a range of impacts can follow for victim-survivors:
- Survivors may disengage from proceedings, including by withdrawing applications or choosing not to give evidence
- Hearings may be adjourned or matters may not proceed as intended
- Re-traumatisation can occur when survivors are in close physical proximity to the respondent
- Victims may be discouraged from reporting future incidents if the court process feels unsafe
Important: According to the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (WDVCAP), which provides support to DV victims navigating the court system across NSW: the lack of remote witness facilities can make it harder for survivors to participate safely in proceedings.
Domestic Violence in NSW: Why the Stakes Are So High
To understand why court infrastructure gaps in DV matters deserve serious attention, it helps to understand the scale of domestic violence across NSW. According to BOCSAR’s domestic violence data, there were 37,828 recorded domestic violence assault incidents and 45,984 adult alleged offenders proceeded against for DV offences in BOCSAR’s most recent reporting period, figures that represent a record high in the latter category. In the most recent 12-month period reported, there were 32 domestic violence homicide victims in NSW.
The ABS Personal Safety Survey 2021-22 confirms that domestic violence remains one of the most prevalent crime categories in Australia, with women significantly over-represented as victims.
Worth noting: Some regional and remote areas have higher per capita DV rates than Greater Sydney. Where AVL facilities are limited in those same areas, the communities with the greatest need for court protection may also face the most barriers to accessing it safely.
What Has the NSW Government Done to Address This?
The NSW Government has invested in court infrastructure in recent years. In 2022, $9 million was allocated to upgrade 45 courthouses across NSW, creating 154 remote witness rooms and 84 safe rooms statewide, though this rollout did not appear to reach all affected regional courts. A further $18 million was committed in the 2022-23 Budget to expand AVL facilities to approximately 50 additional courts and tribunals.
The NSW 2025-26 Budget also includes $49.4 million for a Vulnerable Persons Court Hub, a purpose-built facility that will allow victim-survivors to give evidence via video link from a safe location. The facility is expected to open later, according to the government timeline.
The gap: The regional courts reported in April 2026 as having AVL shortages — Quirindi, Moree, Inverell, and Gunnedah, were apparently not fully resolved by the 2022 rollout. The new Hub, while welcome, will not address these gaps immediately. Advocates and local MPs continue to raise concerns about access to justice in affected areas.
What Are Your Rights as a DV Survivor Appearing in a NSW Court?
Whether you are appearing in a regional court or in Sydney, you have rights. Here is what you need to know.
Can I give evidence by video link?
The Evidence (Audio and Audio Visual Links) Act 1998 (NSW) allows evidence to be given by AVL in appropriate cases, and domestic violence reforms support remote evidence options for complainants. Where AVL is not available at a particular courthouse, your lawyer can seek directions or adjournments and ask the court to consider alternative arrangements — though outcomes will depend on the circumstances of your case.
Is a safe waiting area available?
Courts may provide separate waiting areas or other safety arrangements, but availability varies by location. Where this is not available, the matter can be flagged with the court registry and, if necessary, with the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS).
Practical step: If you have an AVO matter coming up in a regional court and are concerned about facing the respondent, contact the court registry in advance. Ask whether AVL or a remote witness facility is available. A lawyer can seek alternative arrangements if not, though this is not guaranteed and depends on the circumstances.
Can I get free support at court?
Yes. The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (WDVCAP), funded by Legal Aid NSW, provides free support workers who can accompany victim-survivors to court, help them understand the process, and assist with referrals. WDVCAP workers operate at Local Courts across NSW, including in regional areas. You can access this service through Legal Aid NSW or by calling 1300 888 529.
What Should You Do If You Need Protection in NSW?
- Get legal advice as soon as possible. The earlier you involve a lawyer, the more options you have. A criminal lawyer experienced in AVO matters can apply for an interim AVO on your behalf and ensure your court appearance is as safe as possible.
- Contact the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service. WDVCAS provides free support at Local Courts across NSW. Find your local service through Legal Aid NSW, or call Legal Aid on 1300 888 529. Their Domestic Violence Unit can be reached on 1800 979 529.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Other support services available to you:
1800RESPECT: National 24/7 counselling and referral line. Call 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au
NSW Domestic Violence Line: State-based referral and support: 1800 656 463
Women’s Legal Service NSW: Free legal advice for women: wlsnsw.org.au
Domestic Violence NSW: Peak body and advocacy: dvnsw.org.au
Frequently Asked Questions about AVL
Does this issue affect courts in Sydney as well?
The reporting in April 2026 is specifically about certain regional NSW courthouses. Courts in metropolitan Sydney generally have AVL facilities available. However, if you have a specific concern about a court appearance anywhere in NSW, it is always worth checking with the court registry or your lawyer in advance.
What if I already have an ADVO, does this change anything for me?
If your existing ADVO does not feel adequate for your situation, or if you are concerned about a court appearance, speak to a lawyer about applying to vary the ADVO’s conditions or to make arrangements for your evidence to be given safely. You can also contact WDVCAS for support.
Can I report an unsafe court environment?
Yes. If you have concerns about conditions at a regional courthouse, this can be raised with the court registry, your lawyer, and relevant oversight bodies including the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and the Law Society of NSW. Your lawyer can help you put the relevant people on notice.
What support does O’Brien Solicitors offer?
O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors has over 20 years of experience in AVO applications, domestic violence proceedings, and criminal law across NSW. We can advise you on your rights, apply for interim protection orders, and ensure your participation in any court proceedings is handled as safely as possible.
Call: 02 9261 4281 
Or make an online enquiry: obriensolicitors.com.au/contact-us
