A quote for Heydon’s 1984 evidence text is making the rounds. Not because I think it changes the meaning, but because I think all journos should quote context, here's the fullest version of that quote I can (from an @AusLawReform report): https://www.alrc.gov.au/publication/seen-and-heard-priority-for-children-in-the-legal-process-alrc-report-84/14-childrens-evidence/children-as-reliable-witnesses/

Because unis/libraries are closed, I can't check the 1984 book. Does anyone have a copy on their shelf? (Apparently the text is changed/gone in later editions.) I’m sure that @auslawreform and the journos checked the text rather than relying on hearsay: https://www.afr.com/politics/hearsay-20030613-juszv

The main reason to check the text is referencing - is Heydon putting these statements as his own views or describing statements in cases/reports/etc? In general, 1980s evidence law was hostile to children’s evidence, in cases and statute, so the latter is a possibility.