Championing the rights of victims of crime
Media Statement
2 September 2024
The functions of Queensland’s first Victims’ Commissioner commence today.
From Monday 2 September 2024, Victims’ Commissioner Beck O’Connor, will elevate the voices and concerns of those with lived experiences of crime and promote their rights.
While the Charter of Victims’ Rights has been in existence since 2017, it was perceived by many in the sector to have lacked accountability.
The Victims’ Commissioner now has powers to investigate and resolve complaints received from victims of violent crime if they believe their Charter rights have not been upheld.
The Victims’ Commissioner, with the support of her office, will use the information from complaints to highlight systemic issues in the criminal justice system affecting victims and make recommendations to government.
From today, government agencies will be required to report on Charter of Victims’ Rights complaints made to their agency in their annual report. This change shines a spotlight on the number of Charter complaints being made and how they are being dealt with.
Victims who feel their rights haven’t been upheld can:
- complain directly to the organisation they don’t believe upheld their rights
- complain to the Victims’ Commissioner.
Information on how to make a Charter complaint, give feedback or ask a question about the criminal justice system or the work of the Victims’ Commissioner, can be found at: www.victimscommissioner.qld.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Victims’ Commissioner
Beck O’Connor
“Hear them, see them, help them, - this is my expectation for all of us working with a victim of crime.”
“As I complete my first month in the role, I reflect on the multiple inquiries and reports that have come before me, and the stories I have heard from victim-survivors and their advocates, as well as the people who work in the sector.”
“All have highlighted the information gaps in the system they have experienced and the need for trauma-informed responses to a victim’s needs. I know there is already a large amount of reform happening across the sector in Queensland, and this is positive.”
“However, we need to keep listening, and we need to build and expand on the work done to date.”
“From Monday 2 September, my office will be able to take complaints from victims of violent crime if their rights, under the Charter of Victims’ Rights, have not been upheld.”
“The Charter of Victims’ Rights outlines the rights of victims of violent crime including domestic and family violence. The Charter states that victims must be treated with respect and dignity and have the right to have their personal information protected.”
“A victim, or someone supporting a victim with their permission, can make a complaint to my office, either:
- online through our website
- by phone
- by email
- by post.”
“The new complaints function allows someone’s experiences with the criminal justice system to be captured independently, so that my office can investigate, try to resolve complaints and advocate for systemic reform.”
Explainer / fast fact and or further information
Queensland’s first Victims’ Commissioner Beck O’Connor commenced her five-year appointment on 29 July 2024.
- The rights of victims of violent crime (the Charter of Victims’ Rights) include:
- Receiving information about the crime committed against them like:
- the investigation
- the prosecution and court matters
- bail applications by the accused
- the role of being a witness
- Where possible, being protected from contact with the accused at court and their supporters.
- The right to have any property taken as evidence returned.
- Being treated with respect, courtesy, compassion, and dignity, with their needs taken into account.
- Having their privacy protected.
- Being given information about support services.
- Being given information about sentencing if the offender is convicted.
- The opportunity to make written submissions to the Parole Board if the offender applies for parole.
All government and government-funded agencies that work with victims of violent crime must uphold these rights.
The criminal justice process in Queensland includes a number of agencies for example:
- Queensland Police Service
- Queensland Courts
- Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
- Victim Assist Queensland
Watch: the Charter of Victims’ Rights explained (YouTube)
Visit www.victimscommissioner.qld.gov.au for more information on the role of the Victims’ Commissioner.
ENDS