The ACT Ombudsman has savaged the operation of the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Act 1983 here in Canberra:
Victims of violent crime in Canberra can face lengthy delays when applying for assistance under the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Act 1983 (the Act), according to acting ACT Ombudsman Alison Larkins.
Ms Larkins today released the findings of her investigation into complaints about the handling of financial assistance applications made by two victims of sexual assault. Both victims experienced unreasonable delays, received unsatisfactory or inconsistent information, and were at a disadvantage in their capacity to negotiate.
The full report can be found here.