Queensland to review support offered to victims of crime

The state government will launch a review into the assistance offered to victims of crime following a push by long-time advocate and MP Jonty Bush.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced her government will launch a review into the assistance offered to victims of crime following a push by Labor MP Jonty Bush.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday night on her government’s youth justice laws, Ms Palaszczuk confirmed the parliamentary legal affairs and safety committee would look into the Victims of Crime Assistance Act.

MP for Cooper Jonty Bush. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Such a review will consider enhancements to better assist victims of acts of violence by providing support and assistance in a timely manner to avoid compounding the distress suffered by them,” she said.

“And also to help them navigate the legal processes. We have listened very carefully to the victims of crime and this is what they are asking us to do further work on.”

The Premier’s announcement comes after Ms Bush – who is the Labor MP for Cooper – made a submission to the government’s youth justice laws, which called for a review of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act.

Ms Bush has been a long-time advocate of victims of crime, following the horrific murder of her sister, Jacinta Bush, in 2000.

Expanding eligible victims to include those who have endured home invasions were among the suggestions put forward by Ms Bush.

The parliamentary committee examining the government’s youth justice legislation ultimately proposed a review of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act – which Ms Palaszczuk acknowledged in her speech on Wednesday as she confirmed a review would go ahead.

“Importantly we recognise the impact that being a victim of crime has had on our community,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Having personally met with people who are victims of violence crimes, I acknowledge their concern and I acknowledge their deep felt trauma.”

The youth justice laws – which include new maximum penalties for car theft as well as the introduction of breach of bail as an offence – are due to pass parliament this week after an extensive debate.