Attorney General Mark Speakman said Gosford would be one of five regional locations soon to benefit from the service, following a successful pilot program at Manly.
“I spent many years in the busy and high-stress court environment and, as a dog lover myself, I have no doubt that having a few furry friends around will lift the mood of victims, witnesses, lawyers, police and court staff,” Mr Speakman said.
“The Manly program received unanimous support, with anxious victims and witnesses feeling more relaxed and ready to give evidence after patting the helpful hounds.”
Terrigal state Liberal MP Adam Crouch said the therapy dogs would provide a circuit breaker for victims and witnesses as they cope with the stress and anxiety of a day at court.
The NSW Government has previously invested $500,000 in Gosford Court to install high definition Audio Visual Link facilities in all four courtrooms, allowing vulnerable witnesses to provide evidence remotely, as well as in legal professionals’ rooms.
“I spent many years in the busy and high-stress court environment and, as a dog lover myself, I have no doubt that having a few furry friends around will lift the mood of victims, witnesses, lawyers, police and court staff,” Mr Speakman said.
“The Manly program received unanimous support, with anxious victims and witnesses feeling more relaxed and ready to give evidence after patting the helpful hounds.”
Terrigal state Liberal MP Adam Crouch said the therapy dogs would provide a circuit breaker for victims and witnesses as they cope with the stress and anxiety of a day at court.
The NSW Government has previously invested $500,000 in Gosford Court to install high definition Audio Visual Link facilities in all four courtrooms, allowing vulnerable witnesses to provide evidence remotely, as well as in legal professionals’ rooms.
