- Victims’ Commissioner to be permanently established in Queensland
- Sexual Violence Review Board also permanently established.
- Commissioner will champion rights and needs of victims of crime.
An independent Victims’ Commissioner will be permanently established to promote the rights and needs of victims of crime, following the passage of legislation in Parliament today.
The Bill also establishes a Sexual Violence Review Board responsible for reviewing systemic issues relating to the reporting, investigation, and prosecution of sexual offences.
The Miles Government committed to the establishment of a Victims’ Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board, following recommendations made in the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce’s Hear her voice – Report two – Women and girls’ experiences across the criminal justice system (Recommendations 18 and 46).
In 2023, the government committed $18 million to establish the Victims’ Commissioner office and ensure it had the resources to connect with Queensland communities.
Mr Jon Rouse APM, was appointed as interim Victims’ Commissioner in September and began the process of engaging with victims of crime, families of victims, victim support services and criminal justice agencies to hear about victims’ experience in the criminal justice system.
Earlier this month the Miles Government announced a further $2.97 million to support the Victims Commissioner’s functions in promoting and supporting the rights of victims in our community.
The permanent independent Victims’ Commissioner will have the ability to conduct systemic reviews on matters relating to victims of crime and will consult with victims of crime on matters relating to them.
The Victims’ Commissioner will make recommendations and provide advice to the Minister about its areas of responsibility and to monitor implementation of recommendations.
The government is currently recruiting for a permanent Victims’ Commissioner, with the successful candidate appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister.
