If you receive a summons or subpoena to attend court to give evidence, you are entitled to claim for:

• Travel. The CDPP will reimburse reasonable travel expenses.

• Flights. If you have to travel from interstate or overseas the CDPP will usually arrange and pay for your flights or other travel costs.

• Accommodation.If you have to stay away from home the CDPP will usually arrange and pay for your accommodation.

• Meals. The CDPP will reimburse you for meal expenses when you attend court. Receipts must be provided. 

• Loss of wages or earnings.If your employer won’t pay you for the time you’re attending court or conferences, you are able to claim the lost wages or salary that you would have been paid. 

• Incidentals. Witnesses who have to travel interstate to give evidence will be paid a small amount for incidentals.

• Other. If you want to claim expenses for other costs as a result of attending court, you should discuss this as soon as you can with the CDPP prosecutor.

How do I claim witness expenses?

Fill in a witness expense claim form [hyperlink] and return it to the CDPP with all the information requested.

Use our Guide to Claiming Witness Expenses to complete the form.

How long will it take for my witness expense claim to be processed?

We aim to process witness expense claims within 14 days. You should lodge your claim as soon as possible after attending court. 

Who can answer my questions about witness expenses?

Your prosecutor is the best person to answer any questions you may have.