The NSW Government last night has passed legislation to deliver on a key election commitment to expand support for families who have lost loved ones in road crimes.
The Victims Rights and Support Amendment (Victims Support Counselling) Bill 2024 will make counselling available through the Victims Support Scheme to family members of a person killed in a motor vehicle crash where someone is charged in relation to the crash.
Under the changes, family members will also be eligible for counselling support if charges cannot be laid because the offender has died or cannot be located if there is sufficient evidence to establish that an offence has apparently occurred.
An eligible family member will be able to access 22 hours of approved counselling, with further hours available if approved by the Commissioner of Victims Rights.
Currently, most incidents involving motor vehicles are excluded from being ‘acts of violence’ under the Victims Rights and Support Act.
Family victims of road crime experience the same trauma as any other family who has lost a loved one because of a criminal act. This legislation will ensure they receive counselling as they navigate their loss.
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
“This legislation delivers on our election commitment to offer grieving families the counselling support that they deserve.
“Family victims of road crimes will be able to access critical mental health support through the Victims Support Scheme.
“We have listened to the community and delivered legislation that will make a real difference.”