The Victims of Crime Assistance Bill 2009 outlines the functions of the new Victims Financial Assistance Scheme, which is expected to be introduced in Queensland this December.

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the new scheme is designed to help victims of crime to recover and get their lives back on track.

"This new scheme represents the Bligh Government's commitment to ensuring victims of crime have access to the support and assistance they need," Mr Wettenhall said.

"There is no doubt, being a victim of crime is one of the most horrific experiences a person can go through, and it can impact on every aspect of a person's life.

"This government is determined to do everything we can to help reduce these effects, and enable victims get back on their feet.

"The new Victims Financial Assistance Scheme will ensure victims of crime have access to faster, more effective financial assistance and coordinated support services than ever before."

Mr Wettenhall said the new Victims Financial Assistance Scheme and Services will replace the current scheme under the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995.

"This new scheme will make support available to a broader range of victims and make it easier for them to get on with their lives by cutting applicant costs and waiting times," he said.

"The scheme is moving away from a focus on a lump sum compensation figure. It will instead focus on identifying the actual financial assistance required for support or treatment, such as medical treatment or counselling, to help victims and their families recover as quickly a possible."

Under the proposed new arrangements:
• financial assistance for related victims, such as the dependents of those killed as a result of criminal violence, will increase from a maximum of $39,000 to $100,000 per family;
• there will be a new category of financial assistance for secondary victims, such as the parents of children who have suffered sexual abuse, with a maximum payment of $50,000;
• interim emergency funding of up to $6,000 will be available, to cover urgent expenses such as funeral bills or relocation costs when the home is a crime scene; and
• the existing maximum of $75,000 for primary victims, who have personally experienced acts of violence, will continue.

"While the global economic crisis is placing immense pressure on all budgets, this Government will not compromise on essential services for the most vulnerable members of our community.

"These reforms will ensure financial assistance is directed towards helping victims to get back on their feet, and maximising their chances of recovery through early intervention and tailored assistance.

"A new Victim Assistance Unit will link all the services for victims of crime in a one-stop shop.

"The unit will employ staff to directly assist victims and their families, through financial assistance assessment, service coordination, and court support.

"A team of assessors will ensure claims are finalised in a timely manner, as well as making the process easier and less daunting than current arrangements.

"Another team will coordinate the government and non-government services available to victims across the state, particularly in regional and remote areas, as well as promoting awareness of the needs of victims.

"The new unit will also provide practical support for victims of crime through the court process."

Mr Wettenhall said the reforms will remove the requirement for victims of crime to front court again just to apply for assistance, thereby reducing the contact victims might have to have with their attacker, and making the process more responsive to victims' needs.

"They will also enable victims to seek reasonable medical and legal costs incurred in making their application," he said.

"This scheme will cut red tape and streamline services, so victims can access the support and assistance they need, as soon as possible."

Members of the public and stakeholder representatives are invited to submit feedback on draft legislation by June 12

The draft bill can be downloaded from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General website: www.justice.qld.gov.au