Thursday, 2 May 2019

Northern Victoria Region

In reply to Ms MAXWELL (Northern Victoria) (7 March 2019)

Mr CARROLL (Niddrie—Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support):

The Victorian Government is committed to supporting victims of crime. We continue to invest in victim support services and progress reforms so the system better meets the needs of victims.

The Government funds a statewide Victims Assistance Program which provides case management and practical and therapeutic supports to victims of crime. While I cannot comment on the services provided to individuals, these are available in Northern Victoria and the Government is able to support people to access them.

Victims of crime can also contact the Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817, seven days a week between 8am and 11pm. The Helpline provides free access to information, advice and support to help victims manage the effects of violence.

Separately, financial assistance to victims of crime is provided by the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal, which operates independently of Government. In 2017 and 2018, we asked the Victorian Law Reform Commission to review the operation and effectiveness of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1996 and the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.

The Commission’s report was tabled in Parliament on 19 September 2018. The Commission made 100 detailed recommendations which the Government has accepted in principle. We are undertaking significant work to progress these reforms and will ensure that victims can access state-funded financial assistance in a way that is fast, fair and equitable.