SA government grants additional $70,000 to Victim Support Service for court companion program, $194m still in bloated fund

Victims of crime like Julie, mother of one-punch victim Jack Hanley, are finally getting more aid in court – but is it enough?

The bloated $194m Victims of Crime fund is finally being tapped to boost funding for a program that gives traumatised families face-to-face assistance during complex trials.

The state government has announced the Victim Support Service will receive an additional $70,000 to train 10 more court companions to accompany families during cases.

The funds, on top of the $150,000 already provided to the program, will increase the total number of court companions to 40 across metropolitan and regional areas.

The boost was among 11 reforms demanded by victims of crime in January, when The Advertiser revealed the fund’s near-record surplus.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Julie Kelbin, mother of one-punch victim Jack Hanley. Picture: Sam Wundke

Although the fund made $50m last year by taxing those convicted of offences, it spent just $26m on victim compensation and assistance programs.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the extra money would fund the Service’s “vital” work, but victims said there was still $193,930,000 to put to good use this financial year.

Julie Kelbin, mother of one-punch assault victim Jack Hanley, agreed official aid was essential – especially because her family’s only support during the trial came from The Advertiser.

“If I’d not had someone that capable guiding me through that harrowing time of our lives, I would still be sitting scratching my head asking what the hell went wrong,” she said.

“It’s amazing the government has recognised there’s a need for this, but come on, Mr Maher – why aren’t you recognising the rest of that banked money could do a hell of a lot more?”

A survivor known as “Rowena”, who fell victim to sex offender Peter Wayne Snodgrass, said the expenditure was a “good, promising sign” of change.

“As a victim, I hope that it’s the first step in greater acknowledgement of victims’ needs and appropriate spending to answer them,” she said.

Mr Maher said the $70,000 would allow the Victim Support Service to recruit and train more court companions – which is a volunteer position.

“This program gives victims and others who need to attend court the chance to interact with someone experienced who understands the system,” he said.

“It can offer trauma-informed advice and support through what can often be a traumatic experience.”

Service general manager Sarah Scammell said the companions made “a vital difference” in the lives of victims and survivors attending court.

She said the ever-shifting state of trials required volunteers to be able to commit to “three days or more”, and often at late notice, asking much of those involved.

“Our clients tell us that it really helps, to have someone there who is not involved in the proceedings and can assist them to access what they need on the day,” she said.