#LetHerSpeak: Attorney-General Elise Archer flags changes to state’s Evidence Act

The Tasmanian Government will review laws that ban survivors of sexual assault from sharing their story using their own name. READ THE EDITORIAL

THE Tasmanian Government has prioritised reviewing laws that ban survivors of sexual assault from sharing their story using their own name after a global campaign kicked off in support of the women affected.

Section 194K of the state’s Evidence Act prevents sexual assault victims from being identified in the media even with their co-operation and consent.

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The #LetHerSpeak campaign has used the story of a Hobart woman who was molested by her 58-year-old teacher when she was 15 to illustrate why the Tasmanian law should change.

Jane Doe has been unable to share her story while convicted perpetrator Nicolaas Bester has told media the affect his offending has had on his life.

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Tasmanian Attorney-General Elise Archer has flagged changes to the state’s Evidence Act. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

After a week-long campaign backed by celebrities – including Alyssa Milano and John Cleese – Attorney-General Elise Archer on Thursday told the Mercury the Government was considering changes to the Evidence Act “and will prioritise this work in coming months”.

“Importantly, any change will need to be worked through carefully and in consultation with stakeholders and the wider community,” Ms Archer said.

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Tara Moss helped kick off the #LetHerSpeak campaign.

Jane Doe told the Mercury she was rendered speechless by the swift response to #LetHerSpeak.

“I asked to speak and now I’m speechless. What sweet irony,” she said.

“When we achieve law reform it will give a voice to boys and girls who’ve previously been without one, but the greatest victory has been seeing people unite in the pursuit of justice.

“I’m so proud to be a part of this legacy.”

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Actress Alyssa Milano has thrown her support behind the #LetHerSpeak campaign.

End Rape on Campus director Nina Funnell, who led the campaign with the Mercury, news.com.auand Marque Lawyers, said she was thrilled by Ms Archer’s announcement.

“Jane Doe has shown tremendous courage in coming forward to both correct the record in relation to her abuser, Bester, but also to change the law so that all future Jane and John Does can speak out, if they so choose,” Ms Funnell said.

“We absolutely welcome this announcement and look forward to working closely with the Attorney-General to shape the legislation to ensure it strikes a balance between protecting victim-survivors from exploitative media, while also ensuring that those who want to speak are not being gagged and silenced.”

The Greens have flagged support for reform while Labor has it would need to consult with the legal fraternity on proposed changes.

End Rape on Campus director Nina Funnell welcomed the Tasmanian Goverment’s action on changing the legislation. Picture: SUPPLIED

Originally published as #LetHerSpeak: Attorney-General Elise Archer flags changes to state’s Evidence Act