Victims of crime to get faster compensation

Three hours after he was put in the job, QLD’s brand new police commission has flown into Townsville to announce more compensation for victims of crime.

Daneka Hill

@DanekaHill

less than 2 min read

April 22, 2024 - 3:38PM

Townsville Bulletin

Townsville

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The state government is beefing up its victim of crime assistance program, and it’s hoping the extra $45m spend will result in quicker claim processing and faster response times.

Currently, victims of crime in Queensland are eligible for financial support - ranging from $3,500 - $6000 if they’re subject to a burglary, and $10,000 - $15,000 for attempted murder.

Brand new Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski was only three hours into his new job when he flew into town on Monday, accompanied by Premier Steven Miles, to speak with Townsville media.

“Of course we need detention and consequences,” Mr Miles said.

“But no matter how successful our police are, there will still be a level of crime. And we know that supporting them (victims) can ease the impact of crime on their lives.”

Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski had barely pinned his new name badge on, when he was on a plane to Townsville.

Commissioner Gollschewski said engagement with victims of crime was important, and backed the $45m spend, which involves:

- Almost $16m to expand the Victims of Crime Community Response, ensuring timely delivery of compensation

- $15.57m to Victim Assist Queensland to “ensure timely payment of financial assistance”

- Almost $3m to support the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner (new Commissioner currently being recruited)

Premier Steven Miles and police commissioner Steve Gollschewski on The Strand, where they announced an extra $45m to beef up victim compensation services.

Victim Assist Queensland has been inundated with applications for financial assistance, and the extra $15.57 million will help staff meet the ongoing demand to access funds quickly, the government said.

Funding for the Commissioner’s office will be used in part to secure a permanent replacement for interim commissioner Jon Rouse APM.

A further $3.78 million will go to Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to support the functions of the Sexual Violence Review Board and $5.75 million over two years will go to the independent Ministerial Advisory Council to remunerate its members and ‘support their work’.