The Andrews Labor Government today announced the appointment of seven community members who have been victims of crime to serve as representatives on the Victims of Crime Consultative Committee.
The representatives all have experience in dealing with the impact of serious crimes and will play a vital role providing advice to government on how the justice system can better support victims of crime.
Following an expressions-of-interest process earlier this year, Ms Veronique Jahoo, Ms Sandra Gray, Ms Kasey Spengler, Mr Matthew Cronin, Mr Joel Vernon, Ms Natasha Cook and Ms Kerryn Robertson have been appointed to the committee for two years.
The representatives will meet as part of the committee four times a year and may also be called upon to meet more frequently to consult on victims’ issues.
The committee provides victims with a formal role in helping to shape Victoria’s criminal justice system.
The committee also includes the Victims of Crime Commissioner and representatives of Victoria Police, the Office of Public Prosecutions, the judiciary, the Adult Parole Board and victims’ service agencies.
These appointments replace community representatives Ms Sandra Betts, Ms Helen Cross, Ms Noelle Dickson, Ms Meliza Ludowyke, Mr Richard Prowse, Ms Carol Turner and Ms Jennifer Debnam-Williams.
In May 2017, the Labor Government announced $28.5 million to boost the number of frontline staff and support services for victims, witnesses and vulnerable children.
In the 2018/19 Budget, we provided $7.2 million for the Victims Assistance Program to provide enhanced support to victims including through case management and recovery support, the Victims of Crime Helpline and support workers.
We also provided $2.9 million to extend the intermediary scheme, which involves communication specialists helping children and vulnerable people provide evidence to police and in court.
Quotes attributable to Acting Attorney-General Gayle Tierney
“This is about ensuring victims of crime have a voice in our justice system through the Victims of Crime Consultative Committee.”
“The new committee members will make an important contribution to the Victorian community, by providing insights into the needs of victims.”
“I thank the outgoing representatives for their commitment and contribution to improving the experience of victims in our justice system.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020