The Dust Diseases Tribunal has PictureTel Video Link equipment installed in courtroom 4A in the Tribunal’s premises at John Maddison Tower in Sydney. In this courtroom, evidence can be taken from witnesses in remote locations, within Australia or overseas.

The equipment in the courtroom can be linked to similar video equipment at a remote site, such as another courtroom or any other video facility. In addition, the monitor that displays the main picture of the other site also has a smaller picture of the local site.

A distinguishing feature of the Video Link facility is the ‘automated video follow audio’ system. With this system, the cameras focus on the person who is talking. Microphones are set up at the bench, the bar table and at the witness box. A camera automatically focuses on the person who is talking (Judge, counsel or witness) and this is what is seen by the person in the remote location.

The use of the Tribunal’s Video link facilities is restricted to matters currently before the Tribunal. A party to proceedings in the Tribunal who wishes to make use of the video courtroom must make application by way of request to a Judge at a directions hearing or by approaching the Registrar in Chambers. Any such application should ordinarily be made not later than 7 days before the hearing. The Tribunal may shorten the time in an urgent case.

Where leave is given, the party must make immediate contact with the Registry Manager and complete a Request for Video Link Form.

After completing the Request for Video Link, parties in Tribunal matters will be given details of their responsibilities and requested to provide detailed site specifications by not later than 24 hours before the connection is to be made or a shorter period if the Tribunal directs. This is to ensure that the Video Link operator has the appropriate site details to arrange a test transmission and successful video link on the date the remote witness is to give evidence. The party given leave will be responsible for payment of all fees levied in respect of the use of the facility.

Should the matter settle or hearing arrangements be varied, it is the responsibility of the party seeking leave for video link evidence to notify the Registry Manager so that the video courtroom booking can be cancelled or adjusted.

Click this link to view the Video Courtroom Protocol and associated documents.