Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Kat THEOPHANOUS (Northcote) (14:50): (1332) My question is to the Minister for Victims. How is the Victorian government assisting victims of crime to recover financially from offences committed against them? A constituent wrote to me after a series of awful incidents, including car and bike theft, home invasion and burglary. Beyond the emotional toll, she is also having to cope with being significantly out of pocket through insurance excesses, premium increases and uncompensated losses. As she puts it, victims can feel punished twice. The Allan Labor government has strengthened support and prevention with simpler online reporting for non-urgent property crime, advice and referrals via the Victims of Crime Helpline and community initiatives with councils on lighting, CCTV and safer spaces. We have also acted decisively on youth crime, trialling electronic monitoring for high-risk offenders, expanding search powers for dangerous weapons, toughening bail and creating new post-and-boast offences so those glorifying crimes online face tough consequences. My constituent would also like to see the Commonwealth and the insurance industry expand options for victims to recover financially. We look forward to the minister’s response.