The Victorian Government has today announced the appointment of six community members to serve as representatives on the Victims of Crime Consultative Committee.
Minister for Victim Support Natalie Hutchins announced the appointment of Ms Cheryl Tyndall, Ms Melinda Dine, Ms Catherine Oddie, Mr Thomas Wain, Ms Colleen Kelly and Ms Sandra Stewart to the committee.
The new members all bring unique and diverse experiences and will provide crucial insights on how the justice system can better respond to victims and their families and promote their rights.
The committee meets four times a year, with members called upon throughout the year to consult on issues that impact victims’ experience of the system.
Chaired by the Hon. Justice Jennifer Coate AO, the committee provides a forum for victims of crime, justice agencies and victims of crime services to discuss improvements to policies, practices and service delivery.
The committee, which was formed in 2013, also includes Victims of Crime Commissioner Fiona McCormack and representatives of Victoria Police, the Office of Public Prosecutions, the judiciary, the Adult Parole Board and victims’ service agencies.
The new appointments replace outgoing community representatives Ms Veronique Jahoo, Ms Sandra Gray, Mr Matt Cronin, Mr Joel Vernon, Dr Natasha Cook and Ms Kerryn Robertson.
All outgoing members have contributed their honesty, bravery and determination to reform the Victorian justice system and we thank them all for their powerful contributions
Since 2017, the Government has invested $48.7 million in support and services for victims of crime, including improvements to case management, extending the Intermediaries Pilot Program, boosting frontline staff and increasing the capacity of the Victims of Crime Helpline.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Victim Support Natalie Hutchins
“The Committee provides an important platform for victims to share their knowledge and experiences to help improve policies and practices across the justice system.”
“We rely on the committee’s invaluable insights to build more meaningful and comprehensive supports for victims and their families.”
“I thank the outgoing community representatives who dedicated their time to sharing their perspectives to ensure we continue to make improvements to our justice system.”
Reviewed 19 July 2020