Morwell electorate
Martin CAMERON (Morwell) (14:51): (1178) My question is for the Minister for Victims, and my question is: what is the minister doing to repair the new victims of crime financial assistance scheme, which is currently failing providers? I have been contacted by several practitioners who provide critical psychological support and grief counselling for victims of crime. They have reported they have not been reimbursed for services provided through the FAS, despite lodging all required documents, with one reporting they had not received a payment from the government since November 2024. That is seven months without payment. Still these dedicated professionals are committed to providing crucial services to vulnerable victims of crime, but they have bills and mortgages to pay and cannot go on much longer without being paid. These people have contacted the minister’s office but have been ignored. Again, Minister, what are you doing to repair the flawed victims of crime financial assistance scheme to ensure providers are being paid for the services that they provide?