Tuesday the 3rd of March 2026,
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel asked a question to the Minister for Victims. She inquired on the proposed absorption of the Victim of Crime Commissioner position by the Victorian government. The Victim of Crime Commissioner is a position independent of government, which plays a crucial role in ensuring fair treatment of victims within the justice system.
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
My question is for the Minister for Victims, represented in this place by the Minister for Corrections. The victims of crime commissioner plays a pivotal role in promoting the fair treatment of victims in the justice system, including those subjected to police misconduct. This role is independent of government, and it was designed that way so it would not be beholden to any departments or agencies. Yet the government recently confirmed it was working on a proposal to absorb the victims of crime commissioner’s office into the Department of Justice and Community Safety, threatening its independence and leading to current and past commissioners publicly voicing their concerns. Can the minister advise why they are considering a proposal that could cause harm to victims and reduce police oversight?
Enver Erdogan (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice):
I thank Ms Payne for her question and her interest in this matter. I will make sure that is referred on to the Minister for Police in the other place for an appropriate response.
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
I thank the minister for referring that on. By way of supplementary, in November 2023 the victims of crime commissioner tabled a report titled Silenced and Sidelined: Systemic Inquiry into Victim Participation in the Justice System. This report made 55 recommendations to government on improving victim participation in the justice system. None have been responded to.
Will the minister advise whether they will respond to this report before the commissioner’s office is absorbed into the department?
Enver Erdogan:
I thank Ms Payne for her supplementary question. I will make sure that is passed on to the Minister for Police in the other place for response.
Written response received, Friday 27th of March 2026:
Any victim of crime is one too many and our thoughts are with those who have been affected by any criminal behaviour. Every Victorian deserves to feel heard, supported and safe, especially if they’ve been the victim of a crime.
When crimes do occur, every victim has the right to feel that they have an advocate to ensure their stories are heard. The Government supports the opportunity to renew the focus of the Victims of Crime Commissioner towards advocacy on behalf of victims of crime and consideration of what these opportunities may look like is underway.
The Victorian Government acknowledges the recommendations of the 2024: Silenced and Sidelined: systemic inquiry into victim participation in the justice system report (Systemic Inquiry).
Many of the recommendations in these reports align with work planned or underway by the Victorian Government, including the recent announcement to remove the use of ‘good character’ references in court. If perpetrators commit a crime like rape or assault, they will no longer be able to rely on claims about ‘good character’ to reduce their sentence.
These reforms add to the Allan Labor Government’s changes to make life safer for Victorians, including tougher laws for coercive control, stalking and family violence to protect victims of crime.
The Hon. Anthony Carbines MP
Minister for Police
Minister for Community Safety
Minister for Victims
Minister for Racing
Related:
- Misidentification of family violence aggressors – Rachel Payne
- Prescribed ≠ Impaired – Rachel Payne
- Vicarious liability law reform PASSED! – Rachel Payne
