Review of the Financial Assistance Scheme
The Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 (the Act) establishes the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) for eligible victims of crime, without the need for a conviction. The scheme is administered by Victim Assist Queensland (VAQ) in the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG).
KPMG Australia was engaged to Review the Financial Assistance Scheme (the Review). The Review considered whether the original intent and objectives of the scheme are being met as defined in the VOCA Act, the effectiveness of the current FAS for victims of crime; and recommendations 14 to 17 of the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee (LASC) Inquiry into Support of Victims of Crime.
The Review provided a final report to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence on 2 February 2024.
Final report: Review of the Financial Assistance Scheme.
Government response to final recommendations—Financial Assistance Scheme Review
KPMG’s final report ‘Review of the Financial Assistance Scheme’ made 10 recommendations, which broadly aim to simplify the FAS and enhance accessibility and outcomes for victims (including victim-survivors of domestic and family violence).
The final report found that the original intent and objectives of the scheme are being met, and that the scheme is generally effective and positively supports the recovery of victims of crime.
Of the 10 recommendations in the final report, the Queensland Government accepted or accepted in principle all but one of the recommendations which will be further considered in consultation with key stakeholders, including victim advocates and domestic and family violence stakeholders.
The Government has already taken steps to simplify the financial assistance process, including implementing an immediate assessment, triage and payment process to support victims to receive financial assistance in a timely manner.
The Government will consider progressing legislative amendments to implement recommendations of KPMG’s review and possible future state options for VAQ’s operating model, following stakeholder consultation and will review existing supports available for victims of crime and consider how best to support victims to navigate each stage of the criminal justice process. This work will be informed by KPMG’s review findings.
Government response to the Review of the Financial Assistance Scheme.