Assistance payments to victims of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) will increase significantly under proposed changes to the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 (Qld).
The Victims of Crime Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 introduced to Parliament today aims to boost support to victims to better reflect the seriousness of the crimes.
The Bill seeks to amend the Act to increase the maximum financial assistance for primary victims from $75,000 to $120,000, and to increase special assistance payments:
- Category A – from $10,000 to $15,000
- Category B – from $3500 to $9000
- Category C – from $2000 to $6000
- Category D – from $1000 to $3000
- Funeral expenses – from $8000 to $15,000
- Distress payments – from $10,000 to $15,000
It also proposes to implement an improved online application process, as well as to increase Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council membership from 12 to 14, including a member with lived experience as a victim of crime.
View the Bill here.
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