Commissioner for Victims' Rights
The Commissioner for Victims' Rights;
- reports annually through the Attorney-General to the Parliament
- undertakes tasks assigned by the Attorney-General, which are consistent with the objectives of the Victims of Crime Act.
- is entirely independent of direction or control by the Crown or a Government Minister
- is an ex officio member of the Victims of Crime Ministerial Advisory Committee
- advises the Attorney-General on how to use available government resources to effectively and efficiently help victims of crime.
- makes recommendations to the Attorney-General on matters arising from the performance of these functions
- monitors compliance with the Declaration of Principles Governing Treatment of Victims in the Criminal Justice System
- consults with the Director of Public Prosecutions in the interests of victims and in particular cases about matters including victim impact statements and charge bargains
- consults with the judiciary about court practices and procedures and their effects on victims
- monitors the effect of the law on victims and victims' families.
The Commissioner also has the authority to appear in person, or through legal counsel, before a sentencing court to make a victim impact statement and before a court hearing a sentencing guideline application.
A public official or agency must, if requested by the Commissioner, consult with the Commissioner on steps that might be taken by the official or agency to advance the interests of victims of crime in general or a particular victim or class of victim.
If, after consultation with a public official or agency, the Commissioner is satisfied that the official or agency has not complied with the Declaration of Principles Governing Treatment of Victims in circumstances where such compliance would have been reasonable and has not apologised or otherwise dealt with the victim in a satisfactory way, the Commissioner may, in writing, recommend that the official or agency make a written apology to the victim.
The Commissioner for Victims' Rights South Australia website contains a statement of the rights of victims. Family, friends and carers will have different reactions and different support and information needs. Some of the information they need may be found in this website, or through some of the services listed in the Who Can Help section of the site.
