The Victims Rights and Support Bill 2013, which would replace the Victims Compensation Scheme, has passed through the Legislative Assembly and is now awaiting its second reading in the Legislative Council.
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The bill says the current scheme needs to be replaced as it has been crippled by a growth in demand that had almost doubled in the previous five years.
‘‘This led not only to cost blowouts but to protracted delays for victims in receiving compensation,’’ the bill said.
‘‘The most recent figures show that victims now wait on average at least 30 months before they receive any money – long after the bills for medical treatment, funeral expenses and the costs of relocating out of harm’s way have been met.’’
The bill was designed to provide a range of support measures for victims of crime including counselling; up to $5000 for immediate needs such as emergency dental or medical work, relocation, cleaning the crime scene or installing home safety measures; up to $8000 for homicide victims’ families to pay for a funeral; and up to $30,000 for economic loss due to recovery.
The bills says that though the maximum amounts payable are less than the current compensation scheme, there will also be help for immediate needs and long-term expenses.
‘‘Most importantly, they will be able to be paid up front rather than victims having to wait for two or three or more years,’’ the bill states.
‘‘In general, therefore, victims will be better served by the new Victims Support Scheme.’’
