Victims of Crime Urged to Have Their Say

Premier Anna Bligh has announced the Government will undertake a comprehensive review of the criminal injury compensation scheme to make it simpler and easier for victims of crime.

Ms Bligh said victims would be urged to have their say on the current operation of the scheme.

“The criminal injuries compensation scheme, which is administered under the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995, has not been reviewed substantively since its introduction 12 years ago,” Ms Bligh said.

“This review will determine if the scheme is delivering the adequate compensation and services to vulnerable people in the justice system and victims’ needs are being properly addressed.

“An inter-departmental working group will be established to conduct the review and will make recommendations for consideration for the 2008-09 financial year.

“We want to see if the current levels of compensation provided for under the Act adequately recognise the impact of crimes on victims and help with the financial cost of injuries sustained in the commission of a crime.”

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said compensation payments made to victims by the State totalled more than $18 million in 2006-07.

“Currently the maximum payment a victim of crime can receive is $75,000 while financial dependents for victims of homicide receive a maximum of $30,000,” Mr Shine said.

“The review will look at the complexity of the current system - there are currently two Acts, one which relates to injuries sustained between 1969 and 1995, and one for injuries after 1995.

“Each has different monetary compensation limits.

“We want to make sure we have a system in place which allows victims of crime to receive compensation and get on with their lives sooner.”


26 November, 2007
Further inquiries: Premiers Office (07) 3224 4500