Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Questions without notice and ministers statements

Victims of crime

Rachel PAYNE, Enver ERDOGAN

Please do not quote

Proof only

Victims of crime

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:20): My question is for the Minister for Victims, represented in this place by the Minister for Corrections. The victims of crime commissioner plays a pivotal role in promoting the fair treatment of victims in the justice system, including those subjected to police misconduct. This role is independent of government, and it was designed that way so it would not be beholden to any departments or agencies. Yet the government recently confirmed it was working on a proposal to absorb the victims of crime commissioner’s office into the Department of Justice and Community Safety, threatening its independence and leading to current and past commissioners publicly voicing their concerns. Can the minister advise why they are considering a proposal that could cause harm to victims and reduce police oversight?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:20): I thank Ms Payne for her question and her interest in this matter. I will make sure that is referred on to the Minister for Police in the other place for an appropriate response.

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:21): I thank the minister for referring that on. By way of supplementary, in November 2023 the victims of crime commissioner tabled a report titled Silenced and Sidelined: Systemic Inquiry into Victim Participation in the Justice System. This report made 55 recommendations to government on improving victim participation in the justice system. None have been responded to. Will the minister advise whether they will respond to this report before the commissioner’s office is absorbed into the department?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:21): I thank Ms Payne for her supplementary question. I will make sure that is passed on to the Minister for Police in the other place for response.

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