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Media Statements

Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Thursday, 3 September, 2009

Legislation passed to benefit victims of crime

Queensland Parliament today passed changes to the state's compensation system for victims of crime. The sweeping reforms to benefit victims, are the most significant changes in more than a decade.

Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the Victims of Crime Assistance Bill 2009 provides the legal framework to establish a new scheme called Victim Assist Queensland which will provide more timely and effective support for victims.

"The Bligh Government is committed to ensuring victims of crime have access to the support they need, to recover and get their lives back on track," Mr Dick said.

"There is no doubt, being a victim of crime is one of the most horrific experiences a person can go through, and it can impact on every aspect of a person's life.

"An act of violence, in particular, can have a devastating effect - often felt not only by the victim, but also by their family and friends.

"Victim Assist Queensland will enable us to better provi de the necessary support to enable victims to get back on their feet.

"By assisting victims of crime to recover in a more timely manner, Victim Assist Queensland will minimise the stress and trauma involved in the process," he said.

Mr Dick said this legislation provides the most significant reform of victims assistance in over a decade.

"The new scheme moves away from lump sum compensation, and focus instead on the actual services, assistance and support needed to help victims and their families recover as quickly as possible," Mr Dick said.

"The new victims scheme will extend support to a broader range of victims, as well as family members, to help them to get on with their lives by cutting waiting time and applicants' costs.

"Waiting times and costs will be reduced with interim and final payments available for specific needs related to recovery such as medical and legal costs.

"For the first time, victims will also have acce ss to interim emergency funding of up to $6,000 to cover urgent expenses, such as funeral expenses or relocation costs when the home is a crime scene.

"Victims will no longer be required to apply for compensation through the court system as eligibility under the new scheme will be linked to an act of violence and the injuries sustained, rather than a conviction.
"Financial assistance for related victims, such as dependants of those killed as a result of criminal violence, will be more than doubled from a maximum of $39,000 to $100,000 per family.

"A new compensation category has also been created for secondary victims, such as the parents of children who have suffered sexual abuse, with a maximum payment of $50,000.

"These reforms have been developed in close consultation with victims groups, community agencies and other departments, with strong backing across the board.

"They will ensure financial support is directed towards maximising th e chances of recovery through early intervention and tailored assistance," he said.

Mr Dick said a Victims Assistance Unit will be created within the Department of Justice and Attorney-General to link victims to services and support through a one-stop shop.

"The new unit will help victims and their families to access financial assistance, services and practical court support," he said.

"A team of assessors will ensure claims are finalised in a timely manner, as well as making the process easier and less daunting than current arrangements through the courts.

"Another team will coordinate government and community services available to victims across the state, particularly in regional and remote areas. And there will be a victims link up and referral service which will include a website.

"The creation of the Victims Assistance Unit will ensure victims are able to access the support and assistance they need sooner, helping them to recover from the trauma they may have suffered at the hands of criminals."

The legislation repeals the current compensation scheme under the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995.

Media contact: 0427820364




Last updated: 04 September 2009