Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp is calling on the Berejiklian government to put a stop to changes which place the onus of gathering evidence for compensation claims on the victims of crime.
Victims used to be able to lodge an online form detailing their circumstances, and the government would collect the documentary evidence from various departments and agencies.
The government announced on April 20 that it would now be up to victims to collect all this evidence for themselves, with the changes to come into force a week later. The government is now under fire for failing to consult with peak bodies or support services.
Following representations for more than 40 victim support service providers, the government agreed to put the changes on hold for two weeks.
Tim Crackanthorp says that's not good enough.
"The Government has tried to sneak this through while everyone was distracted by COVID-19. It's opportunistic and heartless. The Minister needs to halt these changes for longer than two weeks and instigate a genuine consultation process that allows for participation from everyone who will be affected," he said.
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| State Member for Newcastle Tim Crackanthorp |
