Victim Assist Qld – expressions of interest – referral database

The Victims of Crime Assistance Bill 2009 was passed in Parliament on September 3, 2009. As at December 1, 2009, the "Victim Assist Queensland" scheme will commence and the right of victims of crime to claim under the current criminal compensation schemes of Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995 and the Criminal Code 1899 will end.

Victims Assist Queensland

Victim Assist Queensland will focus 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. The scheme will mark a significant change of focus from criminal compensation to financial assistance and support for victims.

Victim Assist Queensland will operate within the Department of Justice and Attorney-General and will operate from 154 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane. The Victim Assist Queensland project team can be contacted on: phone: (07) 3109 1688; email: victimslinkup@justice.qld.gov.au; postal: GPO Box 149, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001. For more information, visit www.justice.qld.gov.au/5263.htm.

Expressions of interest - Victims LinkUp referral database

Victim Assist Queensland will also offer a "Victims LinkUp" service, providing information, referrals, regional service coordination and training. To assist in the provision of legal referrals, the Queensland Law Society is compiling a database of legal firms and practitioners who wish to be involved in assisting victims making an application for financial assistance.

This referral database will be located on the QLS website for victims to access directly and will be accessed by the Victims LinkUp service when providing legal referrals. We note that the Act provides for victims to receive a grant of up to $500 for legal costs incurred in applying for assistance under the Act.

If you or your firm would like to be included within this referral database please contact Lisa Duncan on l.duncan@qls.com.au.