New online system prioritises victims’ needs, offering up to $60,000 in compensation without the need for court appearances
A new Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) aimed at providing better support to victims of crime is set to begin on 18 November, replacing the current courts-based Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT). The new online system is designed to make financial assistance more accessible and trauma-informed, allowing victims to apply for compensation in the privacy of their own homes, rather than navigating the court process.
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The scheme, announced by Minister for Victim Support Enver Erdogan and FAS Chief Executive Officer Marnie Williams, will enable victims to receive up to $60,000 in assistance, with some eligible for an additional $25,000 in certain circumstances. It also offers victims the option to receive a formal recognition statement from the state, acknowledging the impact of the crime and expressing condolences.
One significant change in the new scheme is the elimination of the practice of pooling financial assistance for families. Instead, individual family members will be able to apply for compensation based on their own needs and circumstances, which is expected to reduce potential conflicts within families. Additionally, eligibility has been expanded to include Aboriginal kinship relations, LGBTQI+ relationships, and other close family members, such as in-laws.
The FAS also extends application timeframes, allowing victims three years to apply, and up to 10 years for cases involving sexual offences or family violence.
Until the FAS becomes operational, victims can continue to seek assistance and make applications through VOCAT.
