Mr SETTER - 1997-02-27
It is well known that, in relation to crime, the Labor opposition in the Northern Territory takes the attitude that it is the offenders who must be protected against the system, whereas this government has put in place a number of measures to help victims of crime. What is the government doing to ensure that victims obtain adequate compensation and restitution?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, the opposition talks about rehabilitation of criminals. We take the view that we habilitate them first and, when they fail in their habilitation in society, we then talk about rehabilitation. In line with that, the government is not happy with the way that compensation and restitution orders are being utilised. While there are now mechanisms in place for the
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courts to order restitution and compensation, it is not happening for various reasons. It is time we had a more structured and aggressive policy of seeking compensation and restitution orders.
In this regard, I am pleased to announce that officers from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Northern Territory police have developed a new policy on obtaining restitution and compensation orders. It is to be implemented by way of a 6-month pilot program, commencing in the first half of this year. Under the new policy, investigating police will assist all victims to obtain the necessary evidence to seek compensation and restitution orders. Prosecutors will check that this has been done or, if appropriate, will make the application to the sentencing court on the victim's behalf. A monitoring system will also be put in place through the Integrated Justice Information System to ensure that orders obtained are enforced against offenders. Offenders who do not comply with orders may have their property seized or may be brought back before the court to explain their failure to pay. At the conclusion of the pilot program, the results will be reviewed to determine the effectiveness of the new regime. The government is committed to ensuring that victims recover compensation and restitution from offenders wherever possible. This new approach, that is to be taken by the Northern Territory Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, will assist in meeting this objective.
I mention also that we are reviewing crime victims' assistance. The effectiveness of the current scheme for financial assistance to victims of crime is under consideration. In recent times, substantial reforms have been made elsewhere in Australia that aim to make compensation schemes more effective and efficient. While nothing will occur overnight, I have given a reference to the Crime Victims Advisory Committee, the major representative of victims of crime in the Northern Territory, to review the Northern Territory scheme. In particular, the committee will be advising government on the relative merits of monetary compensation and the provision of rehabilitation services, and the process by which claims should be dealt with. I will also be introducing amendments to the Crime Victims Advisory Committee Act in the next sittings, broadening the committee's membership base to ensure that community membership is expanded.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, the opposition talks about rehabilitation of criminals. We take the view that we habilitate them first and, when they fail in their habilitation in society, we then talk about rehabilitation. In line with that, the government is not happy with the way that compensation and restitution orders are being utilised. While there are now mechanisms in place for the
Page 1987
courts to order restitution and compensation, it is not happening for various reasons. It is time we had a more structured and aggressive policy of seeking compensation and restitution orders.
In this regard, I am pleased to announce that officers from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Northern Territory police have developed a new policy on obtaining restitution and compensation orders. It is to be implemented by way of a 6-month pilot program, commencing in the first half of this year. Under the new policy, investigating police will assist all victims to obtain the necessary evidence to seek compensation and restitution orders. Prosecutors will check that this has been done or, if appropriate, will make the application to the sentencing court on the victim's behalf. A monitoring system will also be put in place through the Integrated Justice Information System to ensure that orders obtained are enforced against offenders. Offenders who do not comply with orders may have their property seized or may be brought back before the court to explain their failure to pay. At the conclusion of the pilot program, the results will be reviewed to determine the effectiveness of the new regime. The government is committed to ensuring that victims recover compensation and restitution from offenders wherever possible. This new approach, that is to be taken by the Northern Territory Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, will assist in meeting this objective.
I mention also that we are reviewing crime victims' assistance. The effectiveness of the current scheme for financial assistance to victims of crime is under consideration. In recent times, substantial reforms have been made elsewhere in Australia that aim to make compensation schemes more effective and efficient. While nothing will occur overnight, I have given a reference to the Crime Victims Advisory Committee, the major representative of victims of crime in the Northern Territory, to review the Northern Territory scheme. In particular, the committee will be advising government on the relative merits of monetary compensation and the provision of rehabilitation services, and the process by which claims should be dealt with. I will also be introducing amendments to the Crime Victims Advisory Committee Act in the next sittings, broadening the committee's membership base to ensure that community membership is expanded.
Page 1988
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016