Independent Advisory Group to give victims a greater voice across Queensland

• The Palaszczuk Government continues its commitment to support Queensland’s victims of crime.
• An Independent Advisory Group (IAG) will be set up to advise government on issues relating to victims of crime.
• The IAG will give victims of crime from across the state another avenue for a voice.

The Palaszczuk Government will establish an Independent Advisory Group to continue to improve how feedback from Queensland’s victims of crime is received and dealt with.

The anger, fear and trauma experienced by victims of crime across the state is acknowledged and establishing the IAG will provide another critical step for consultation and discussion.

Today’s announcement acknowledges the work of advocates and advocacy groups across the state, including Voices for Victims in South East Queensland.

The government is committed to getting the balance right in the criminal justice system, and to meaningful reform from listening to the voices of victims of crime.

The Independent Advisory Group will build on work already underway, including the announcement of Jon Rouse APM as Queensland’s Interim Victims’ Commissioner and the services provided through the Victims Assist program.

The following can be attributed to Acting Premier Steven Miles:

”The Palaszczuk Government is committed to making sure Queenslanders feel safe and heard.

 “We’ve been listening to and working with victims of crime, and one of the things they’ve said to us is there needs to be a stronger voice for victims in the system.

“Having spent time with victims of crime after those crimes have been perpetrated, I've seen firsthand how they can sometimes feel lost, how the system can seem overwhelming and how alone they can feel.

“An Independent Advisory Group will engage with victims of crime, helping to identify how things can be done better.”

The following can be attributed to Attorney General Yvette D’Ath:

“Today’s announcement is another significant step on what is often a very traumatic journey for our victims.

“It’s so important to engage with victims and understand how we can best help them and the aim of the IAG is to do that.

The following can be attributed to Police Minister Mark Ryan:

“While we continue to refine the tools we have, we will never relent when it comes dealing with offenders, and it is imperative that the voices of crime victims are front and centre.

“The establishment of the Independent Advisory Group is another important opportunity to build on the work we have been doing as a government.”

The following can be attributed to Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer:

“Crime affects every victim in a different way and part of the work of the IAG will be to take those stories and use them to inform government policy.

“We are on an important reform journey to deal with the complex causes of offending and better support victims.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Bernadette Condren – 0417 296 116

Cullen Robinson – 0418 170 474

Elise Williams – 0482 503 675