An emergency meeting to gain support against the state government’s proposed changes to victim compensation was held in Newcastle last night ahead of discussion in Parliament this week. Greens spokesman for justice David Shoebridge joined a crowd at Newcastle City Hall who listened to Carrie’s Place manager Jan McDonald, lawyer Peter Kelso who specialises in working with victims of crime, and abuse survivor Rob Roseworne speak about the importance of compensation. Mr Shoebridge said the proposed legislation placed a 10 year limit on making claims for compensation payments which meant victims who came forward after that period would not be eligible. He questioned the government’s intentions saying it took victims an immense amount of courage to come forward and it often took more than 10 years to take the step. He also emphasised that victims of long-standing domestic abuse may not receive any compensation under the new criteria and those who did would only receive payments of $1500. “The emergency forum discussed the impact of these cuts and how the bill could be improved, – the retrospectivity of the changes and the fact that they will see thousands of existing claims thrown out, ” Mr Shoebridge said. The Labor Party has already voiced its opposition to the bill and is not in favour of weakening it. Opposition spokesman for justice Paul Lynch said Labor would vote against the bill and the outcome would rest with the MPs from minor parties. “The bill will either pass or it won’t – if there are enough people who would consider an amendment to the bill then it won’t pass as it is,” he said. “We are opposed to the bill and will vote against it.” The Greens have been in talks with Labor to ensure their support.
An emergency meeting to gain support against the state government’s proposed changes to victim compensation was held in Newcastle last night ahead of discussion in Parliament this week.
Greens spokesman for justice David Shoebridge joined a crowd at Newcastle City Hall who listened to Carrie’s Place manager Jan McDonald, lawyer Peter Kelso who specialises in working with victims of crime, and abuse survivor Rob Roseworne speak about the importance of compensation.
Mr Shoebridge said the proposed legislation placed a 10 year limit on making claims for compensation payments which meant victims who came forward after that period would not be eligible.
He questioned the government’s intentions saying it took victims an immense amount of courage to come forward and it often took more than 10 years to take the step.
He also emphasised that victims of long-standing domestic abuse may not receive any compensation under the new criteria and those who did would only receive payments of $1500.
“The emergency forum discussed the impact of these cuts and how the bill could be improved, – the retrospectivity of the changes and the fact that they will see thousands of existing claims thrown out, ” Mr Shoebridge said.
The Labor Party has already voiced its opposition to the bill and is not in favour of weakening it.
Opposition spokesman for justice Paul Lynch said Labor would vote against the bill and the outcome would rest with the MPs from minor parties.
“The bill will either pass or it won’t – if there are enough people who would consider an amendment to the bill then it won’t pass as it is,” he said. “We are opposed to the bill and will vote against it.”
The Greens have been in talks with Labor to ensure their support.
UNDER FIRE: Plans to limit victim compensation and putting a 10-year limit on claims have come under fire.
