The New South Wales Government has passed The Victims Rights and Support Amendment (Victims Support Counselling) Bill 2024, crucial legislation to provide greater support to families who have tragically lost loved ones in road crimes. This will expand the scope of the Victims Support Scheme to include counselling services for bereaved family members.

In a significant move to provide greater support to families who have tragically lost loved ones in road crimes, the New South Wales Government has passed crucial legislation. The Victims Rights and Support Amendment (Victims Support Counselling) Bill 2024, enacted last night, will expand the scope of the Victims Support Scheme to include counselling services for bereaved family members.

The amended legislation will now offer counselling support to family members of individuals killed in motor vehicle accidents where someone has been charged in connection with the incident. Moreover, the support will extend to families in cases where charges cannot be pursued due to the offender’s death or inability to locate them, provided sufficient evidence suggests an offence has occurred.

Eligible family members can access up to 22 hours of approved counselling, with the possibility of additional hours upon the approval of the Commissioner of Victims Rights.

Previously, most incidents involving motor vehicles were excluded from the definition of “acts of violence” under the Victims Rights and Support Act. This oversight meant that families of road crime victims were often unable to access the vital counselling services provided to victims of other violent crimes. The new legislation rectifies this injustice, recognising the profound emotional trauma experienced by these families.

Attorney General Michael Daley emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting grieving families: “This legislation fulfils our election promise to offer counselling support to grieving families, who truly deserve it. Family victims of road crimes will now have access to crucial mental health support through the Victims Support Scheme. By listening to the community, we’ve enacted legislation that will make a tangible difference.”

The expanded support services will provide much-needed assistance to families as they navigate the complex and emotionally challenging process of grief and loss. By addressing a significant gap in the support system, the NSW Government has taken a crucial step towards ensuring that families of road crime victims receive the care and compassion they need.

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