Witness expenses for going to court

Witness expenses

When a matter is heard in court and you are required to give evidence, you may also be referred to as a 'witness', as you are recounting your side of the incident.

As a witness you may claim expenses for the days you go to court.

This may include meals, transport and accommodation costs. The rates of payment are not intended to fully compensate witnesses for their expenses and losses; rather they are intended to reduce the financial hardship incurred by attending court as a witness.

The NSW Department of Justice sets the rates for witness expenses. You can ask the police officer in charge of your matter, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) prosecutor or your Witness Assistance (WAS) officer any questions you have about them.

Making a claim

You can download a copy of the claim form provided on the ODPP website or obtain one from the police officer in charge of the matter.

After you have given evidence, the witness expenses claim form must be authorised by the police informant and/or police prosecutor and/or the ODPP prosecutor before being submitted for payment by the courts. The police officer in charge of your matter will submit the authorised form on your behalf, this form cannot be submitted by the public into a court.