Victims of crime in south west Sydney caught up in the transition between the Victims Compensation Scheme and Victims Support Scheme have been reassured of a fair go.
The State Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons says local victims of crime will be able to have their claims reassessed from September.
“A key part of the justice system is ensuring the victims of crime are treated with care, compassion and respect,” Ms Gibbons said.
“It was clear from talking to victims and stakeholders, that elements of the transition of these claims from the old Victims Compensation Scheme to the new Victims Support Scheme created some inequities.
“The NSW Government has acted to address those inequities.
“We have kept our promise to give people who were affected by the transition the chance to have their claims reassessed.”
All eligible victims will receive written notification from the Department of Justice during September outlining the application process.
Applicants must apply before August 31, 2016 to have their claim reassessed.
Applicants will have six months from the date of their application to provide sufficient evidence as required under the old scheme.
In cases where they received more support from the transitional scheme, they will be given the opportunity to withdraw their application.
The cost of reassessing transitional claims and making compensation payments to claimants has been accounted for in the NSW Budget.
Ms Gibbons said the new Victims Support Scheme was delivering better support for the victims of crime.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The Victims Support Scheme has made it faster and easier for people to get help when they need it, not months or years later.[/social_quote]
“People now receive payments within a month rather than 31 months under the old scheme.
“They can also access extensive counselling by qualified professionals,” Ms Gibbons said.
For more information call the Victims Support Line on 8688 6600, email vsrp@justice.nsw.gov.au or visit the Victims Services website.
