The Victims of Crime Assistance Amendment Bill 2023 has passed the Legislative Council.
The Bill ensures claimants have equal access to compensation, along with providing improved outcomes for victims of crime.
The Bill brings certainty to the calculation and indexation of awards under the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1976 so that victims of crime receive the full benefit of the legislation.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government is absolutely committed to supporting the victims of crime,” said Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett.
“The passing of the Victims of Crime Assistance Amendment Bill demonstrates this commitment.”
The Bill clarifies that the maximum award a victim is eligible for is the amount that applies either at the time they lodge their application, or at the time their application is determined, whichever is greater.
Attorney-General Barnett said the clarification measures of the new Bill are of several actions taken by the Rockliff Liberal Government to support victims of crime.
“Our Government is providing $321,850 for Counselling and Support Services and $130,650 for the Victims Assistance Unit to manage and mitigate the impacts during the release of the Commission of Inquiry Report and in the immediate three months following.
“We’re also improving our staffing by beefing up our Victims of Crime Service with the addition of two full time counsellors in Launceston, two full time counsellors in Hobart and two part time counsellors in Burnie,” Attorney-General Barnett said.
