
Current consultation activities
Draft Victims of Crime Assistance Bill 2009 released for public consultation
The draft Victims of Crime Assistance Bill 2009 which implements the new Victims Financial Assistance and Services Scheme (VFASS) has now been released by the Queensland Government for comment. The draft legislation can be accessed here.
The draft Bill provides for a new scheme which focuses on victim recovery by paying for or reimbursing the costs of goods and services that the victim requires to help them recover from the physical and psychological effects of the crime. VFASS will mark a significant change of focus from criminal compensation to financial assistance and support for victims. The draft Bill repeals the current scheme under the Criminal Offences Victims Act 1995 (COVA). More information on VFASS can be accessed here.
Included in the Bill are fundamental principles of justice for the treatment of victims in the criminal justice system based on those contained in COVA. The principles have been modernised and include a new process for resolving victims’ complaints relating to breaches of the principles.
National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework
The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General has developed the draft National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework (draft Framework) to provide a national approach to serious and complex justice issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
At its April 2009 meeting, SCAG agreed to release the draft Framework for a three month period of targeted consultation. The purpose of this consultation is to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to continue to engage in the development of the National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework. The consultation closes on 31 July 2009.
If you would like to view the draft Framework and provide feedback, please click here.
View recent consultation activities.


