Witnesses testify via video

Australia's vulnerable victims will be spared from facing their alleged attackers in court and will instead give evidence via a video-link, says the Canterbury-Bankstown Express.

Video conferencing facilities will be installed at courts across New South Wales where sexual assault matters are heard to reduce stress and trauma for alleged victims and children giving evidence. It will link the room where victims or witnesses are giving evidence to screens in the court and to audio-visual equipment allowing them to view tapes and other material.

Portable remote witness kits will be fitted to other courts. Attorney-General John Hatzistergos said the $12.5 million state government initiative would be rolled out over three years.

The Bali Police has released an audio-visual integrated system (Avis) for those applying for a driver's licence, states The Jakarta Post.

Police chief inspector general Sutisna said the new programme was part of efforts to improve public services. "The process of getting a driver's licence must be accountable and transparent," he added.

Under the new system, applicants must take a computer-based driving theory exam in which they will have 15 minutes to answer 30 questions.

Kuwaiti minister of information, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah, said changes to the audio-visual draft law will be sent to the Cabinet for further deliberations, writes Kuwait Times.

The minister was speaking at a meeting with Kuna chairman and director, General Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Sabah; undersecretary of the information ministry, Sheikh Faisal Al-Sabah; Kuwait Journalists Association chairman, Yousef Behbahani; and Kuwaiti editors-in-chief.

Suggestions by chief editors over the audio-visual bill are to be put into consideration, said the minister. Amendments to the draft law will include several issues, involving penalties and fines, the minister added.