It’s a significant upgrade to the audio visual link introduced to Raymond Terrace in 2012 with the new, faster high definition equipment a step up from what was at times a weak and fuzzy system.

The link enables people on remand to face court from correctional facilities, allows police to give evidence remotely and provides the victims of violent crimes to give testimony from private rooms.

“Here in Raymond Terrace we have updated the audio visual link in the court room with two new screens and one in the safe witness room,” NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said.

”The upgrade includes a document reader that enables everyone in the court room to see documents enlarged on the screen.”

Court staff been able to use the new equipment in recent weeks. The hardware upgrade includes 65 inch LCD screens.

Broadmeadow also had its system upgraded while Belmont and Muswellbrook have been added to the statewide network.

Mr Speakman said AVL technology had become an invaluable component of the justice system. 

“It gets police and correctional services away from transporting prisoners, back on the front line,” he said. 

“Most importantly this is a boon for the victims and witnesses.

“Obviously victims of crime have been badly traumatised and they are re-traumatised every time they return to what can be a hostile environment.

“When vulnerable witnesses can give evidence in the room it makes giving evidence much less traumatic.”

Port Stephens Duty MLC and Parliamentary Secretary for Digital Inclusion Catherine Cusack said the evidence trolley, including laptop and camera, would facilitate magnification and better examination of exhibits.

“It means all parties in court will be able to view evidence simultaneously in intricate detail,” Ms Cusack said.

About 90 per cent of the matters heard at Raymond Terrace involve the appearance of people in custody via AVL.

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