The VLRC is conducting an inquiry into the operation of the VOCAT system, and will report in July 2018. The VLRC is specifically consulting on the issue of the introduction of a victims’ levy. Need for coherent approach to victims’ compensation in Victoria The Council acknowledges the need for a coherent approach to reform within the criminal justice system, including the issue of the compensation of victims for the effects of crime. The recommendations of the VLRC’s reference on the VOCAT system may have implications for the use and enforcement of restitution and compensation orders. Ultimately, the government will need to consider the VLRC’s and the Council’s recommendations together, with a view to providing avenues for accessible, equitable compensation to all victims. of re-examination of process and procedure provisions in the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) The VLRC report examined the victim’s role in obtaining restitution and compensation orders against offenders (for the benefit of individual victims), within its discussion of the avenues for financial reparation available to victims. The report made a number of recommendations aimed at improving the processes and procedures for restitution and compensation orders. Those recommendations included the following: Recommendation 45: Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 4 of the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) should be consolidated to provide a consistent set of procedures for restitution and compensation orders in the Supreme Court and County Court, and include the following elements: may make restitution and compensation orders on its own motion. court must make inquiries as to whether an application for restitution or compensation orders will be made.
The VLRC is conducting an inquiry into the operation of the VOCAT system, and will report in July 2018. The VLRC is specifically consulting on the issue of the introduction of a victims’ levy. Need for coherent approach to victims’ compensation in Victoria The Council acknowledges the need for a coherent approach to reform within the criminal justice system, including the issue of the compensation of victims for the effects of crime. The recommendations of the VLRC’s reference on the VOCAT system may have implications for the use and enforcement of restitution and compensation orders. Ultimately, the government will need to consider the VLRC’s and the Council’s recommendations together, with a view to providing avenues for accessible, equitable compensation to all victims. of re-examination of process and procedure provisions in the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) The VLRC report examined the victim’s role in obtaining restitution and compensation orders against offenders (for the benefit of individual victims), within its discussion of the avenues for financial reparation available to victims. The report made a number of recommendations aimed at improving the processes and procedures for restitution and compensation orders. Those recommendations included the following: Recommendation 45: Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 4 of the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) should be consolidated to provide a consistent set of procedures for restitution and compensation orders in the Supreme Court and County Court, and include the following elements: may make restitution and compensation orders on its own motion. court must make inquiries as to whether an application for restitution or compensation orders will be made.
Restitution_and_Compensation_Orders_Paper.docx