The Opposition understands that the witness assistance program provided by the Office of the DPP to vulnerable witnesses is likely to be cut to meet budget savings.

The program provides vital support to witnesses, many of whom are victims.

Shadow Attorney-General Stephen Wade said that “these cut-backs to support for witnesses are a testimony to the Weatherill Government’s disregard for justice.”

“Attorney-General Rau must explain why fundamental justice services are being sacrificed for Labor’s bread and circuses” said Mr Wade.

Recent budget savings are undermining the justice system with the DPP also looking to withdraw from committals.

This would lessen the chance of a successful prosecution by leaving less qualified police prosecutors in charge of the crucial early stages of criminal court proceedings.

Stephen Wade said that “we can’t afford to divert already stretched police resources away from other important work.”

Whilst the Department of Justice claims that the Office of the DPP has one of the smallest budget savings targets, the Opposition understands that budget savings are being masked through hidden cross charges.

For example, in recent years the Department charges for Shared Services on the Office of the DPP has more than tripled to $2m, 10% of the total DPP budget.

“The Weatherill Government is giving with one hand and taking with another to hide budget cuts hurting the most vulnerable” said Mr Wade.