Independent Victims’ Commissioner to be permanently established

• Victims’ Commissioner to be permanently established in Queensland
• Sexual Violence Review Board also permanently established.
• Commissioner will champion rights and needs of victims of crime.

An independent Victims’ Commissioner will be permanently established to promote the rights and needs of victims of crime, following the passage of legislation in Parliament today.

The Bill also establishes a Sexual Violence Review Board responsible for reviewing systemic issues relating to the reporting, investigation, and prosecution of sexual offences.

The Miles Government committed to the establishment of a Victims’ Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board, following recommendations made in the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce’s Hear her voice -  Report two – Women and girls' experiences across the criminal justice system (Recommendations 18 and 46).

In 2023, the government committed $18 million to establish the Victims’ Commissioner office and ensure it had the resources to connect with Queensland communities.

Mr Jon Rouse APM, was appointed as interim Victims’ Commissioner in September and began the process of engaging with victims of crime, families of victims, victim support services and criminal justice agencies to hear about victims’ experience in the criminal justice system.

Earlier this month the Miles Government announced a further $2.97 million to support the Victims Commissioner’s functions in promoting and supporting the rights of victims in our community. 

The permanent independent Victims’ Commissioner will have the ability to conduct systemic reviews on matters relating to victims of crime and will consult with victims of crime on matters relating to them.

The Victims’ Commissioner will make recommendations and provide advice to the Minister about its areas of responsibility and to monitor implementation of recommendations.

The government is currently recruiting for a permanent Victims’ Commissioner, with the successful candidate appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister.

More information about the Victims' Commissioner is available at: https://www.victimscommissioner.qld.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:

“The Miles Government is committed to making sure Queenslanders feel safe and heard.

“That’s why we established a permanent Victims’ Commissioner after listening to victims of crime who have shared their experiences.

“The Commissioner will continue to listen to victims and work with them to provide the support they deserve.

“As an independent role, the Commissioner will also provide advice to the Queensland Government about things that can be done better, so that systemic improvements continue to be made to meet victims’ needs.

“The Commissioner will also have a statutory office to support them monitor the implementation and progress of recommendations, so that victims can be assured that progress will be made.

“I am proud that this position is now established in legislation to enable victims of crime to have a permanent champion of their rights and needs.

“I again thank Jon Rouse for his work as the interim Victims’ Commissioner and I look forward to announcing the first permanent Victims’ Commissioner in the coming months.”

ENDS