Compensation payments to crime victims streamlined

The Queensland Government’s decision to appoint more staff and to streamline approval processes has improved the payment of compensation to crime victims, Attorney-General Kerry Shine said today.

Mr Shine said the Queensland Government was committed to victims of crime, and streamlining the payment of court-ordered compensation under the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995 (COVA).

“Five additional staff were appointed and new procedures were adopted to streamline the approvals process. Already these measures are producing good results,” Mr Shine said.

“Payments are funded by the taxpayer and each application is assessed carefully.”

Last financial year (2005-06), $17.7 million was paid in compensation. In 2004-05, $17.2 million was paid.

Under the former Borbidge Government, only $8.4 million was paid in 1997-98.

There can be delays in processing applications due to delays getting information required or the need to get legal advice.

In March 2006, the number of court-ordered criminal injury compensation matters awaiting approval was 728. By the end of last month (April 2007), the number had almost halved to 383.

Under the COVA legislation, the offender in a crime has responsibility to pay the compensation ordered for any injury caused by them. Where the offender has no means of paying, the victim can apply to the State for an ex gratia payment.

2 May 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Attorney-General’s office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au