Administrative Financial Assistance Scheme for Victims of Crime

By John Berger

17 AUGUST 2023

My question is to the Minister for Victim Support, Minister Erdogan. We are replacing the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal with an administrative financial assistance scheme built around the needs of victims. It is the most significant change for victims of crime in 50 years, and the Andrews Labor government is backing it with a $39 million investment in the 2022–23 budget, on top of the $54.6 million in the 2021–22 budget. The key takeaway is that more victims will be eligible in a system designed to minimise retraumatisation. We are expanding access to financial assistance for victims of a range of criminal offences that are not covered by existing law. This includes a whole range of new offences. This is a big deal. That is why my question to the minister is this: can the minister please provide information on how this scheme will benefit my community of Southern Metro?