What is the rule surrounding the admissibility of hearsay under the Evidence Act Queensland?

The admissibility of hearsay under the Evidence Act in Queensland is primarily governed by the principle that hearsay is generally inadmissible unless a specific exception is outlined within the legislation. This aligns with the rationale behind the hearsay rule, which is designed to ensure that evidence presented in court is reliable and that the parties have the opportunity to challenge the credibility of the evidence.

In Queensland, the Evidence Act provides several exceptions where hearsay evidence may be admitted. These include situations where the statement was made under certain conditions or relates to specific contexts, such as admissions, declarations against interest, or business records. This framework acknowledges that, while hearsay can raise issues about reliability, it may still be relevant and necessary in certain circumstances where direct evidence is not available.

The other options do not accurately reflect the rules regarding hearsay: it is not considered always admissible, nor is it restricted solely to civil matters. Additionally, while hearsay does face strict limitations, it is not entirely invalid as evidence; rather, it can play a role within permissible exceptions.