Applications open to be Queensland Victims’ Commissioner

• The Victims' Commissioner will promote and protect the needs and rights of victims of crime.
• Mr Jon Rouse APM has served as Interim Victims’ Commissioner during the establishment of the role.

Applications have opened for the permanent Queensland Victims’ Commissioner role, which will promote and protect the needs and rights of victims of crime.

The Victims’ Commissioner will play a critical role in championing the rights of victims and provides a platform for their voices to be heard within the criminal justice system, as well as addressing systemic issues impacting their welfare.

They will also be requested to review the Charter of Victims’ Rights to consider whether additional rights should be recognised or if existing rights should be expanded and develop a website to help guide victims as they navigate the criminal justice process.

Interim Commissioner Mr Jon Rouse APM will continue to serve in his temporary capacity until the appointment of a permanent Victims' Commissioner.

With over 39 years of experience advocating for vulnerable victims of crime, Mr Rouse has guided the establishment of the role and office and engaged directly with hundreds of victims across key regions of the state.

The Miles Government committed more than $200 million in 2023 to enhance victim support services, with an additional $18 million to establish the Victims’ Commissioner office and ensure it had the resources to connect with Queensland communities.

The Victims’ Commissioner will hold an independent statutory role, proposed to be created by the Victims' Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board Bill 2024, which is currently before Parliament.

Learn more about the role of the Victims' Commissioner by visiting: https://www.victimscommissioner.qld.gov.au.

Information about how to apply for the role of Queensland Victims’ Commissioner is available at https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-554952-24.

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 has been listening to victims and their advocates.

“That’s why we created this position to focus on the needs of victims and to ensure we are providing them with the most effective support.

“Suitable candidates with experience in relevant justice, support and advocacy sectors are encouraged to consider submitting an application to further help Queenslanders recovering from acts of crime.

“I’d like to thank Mr Rouse for his work continuing as Interim Commissioner.

“Notably he has engaged with more than 600 victims of crime since taking the role and held eight workshops across Queensland.

“We will continue to review and improve services that help victims of crime.”

ENDS