1332: Constituency Questions
Kat Theophanous to ask the Minister for Victims —
(1332) My question is to the Minister for Victims. How is the Victorian government assisting victims of crime to recover financially from offences committed against them? A constituent wrote to me after a series of awful incidents, including car and bike theft, home invasion and burglary. Beyond the emotional toll, she is also having to cope with being significantly out of pocket through insurance excesses, premium increases and uncompensated losses. As she puts it, victims can feel punished twice. The Allan Labor government has strengthened support and prevention with simpler online reporting for non-urgent property crime, advice and referrals via the Victims of Crime Helpline and community initiatives with councils on lighting, CCTV and safer spaces. We have also acted decisively on youth crime, trialling electronic monitoring for high-risk offenders, expanding search powers for dangerous weapons, toughening bail and creating new post-and-boast offences so those glorifying crimes online face tough consequences. My constituent would also like to see the Commonwealth and the insurance industry expand options for victims to recover financially. We look forward to the minister’s response.
Answer - 18 November 2025
I thank the member for their question, and I am sorry to hear of your constituent’s experience in relation to the criminal incidents.
In addition to the initiatives outlined in the member’s question, the Victorian Government has undertaken significant reform in the way financial assistance is awarded to victims of violent crime. The Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) was established in November 2024 replacing the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
The FAS provides victims with financial assistance to help them recover from violent crime. Victims of crime can receive up to $61,499, with some eligible for up to an additional $25,000 in special financial assistance circumstances.
As an administrative scheme, the FAS does not involve hearings and victims can apply for assistance through a secure online portal from the comfort of their own home.
Where matters fall outside of the scope of the scheme, it is important that other systems support victims in their recovery. As insurance is a Commonwealth responsibility, I will continue to engage with my counterpart in the Federal Government on the ways the insurance industry can better support customers who are victims of crime.
Hon Anthony Carbines MP
Minister for Police
Minister for Community Safety
Minister for Victims
Minister for Racing
