Victims' Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board Bill 2024

Overview

This bill creates a Victims' Commissioner to advocate for crime victims and handle complaints about breaches of their rights. It also establishes a Sexual Violence Review Board to examine systemic problems in how sexual offences are reported, investigated and prosecuted. The reforms follow the Women's Safety and Justice Taskforce's Hear Her Voice reports.

Who it affects

Crime victims gain an independent advocate to handle complaints and push for system improvements. Sexual violence survivors benefit from a dedicated board examining barriers to justice. Government agencies must respond to Commissioner inquiries and report on Charter compliance.

Key changes

• Victims' Commissioner established as independent statutory officer to promote victims' rights
• Sexual Violence Review Board created to examine systemic issues in sexual offence cases
• Charter of Victims' Rights transferred to new legislation with formal complaints mechanism
• Government entities must include Charter compliance information in annual reports
• Board membership must include at least one sexual violence survivor and one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
• Commissioner can request confidential information from government and non-government entities