Canberra victim support surges 168 per cent as ACT reforms scheme
Victim assistance applications jumped 168 per cent in four years to 1336 in Canberra.
The ACT's Financial Assistance Scheme received 1336 applications in 2024-25. This is a 168 per cent increase since 2020-21.
The scheme gives money to help victims of violent crime stay safe, recover, and feel well. Minister for Human Rights Caitlin Tough brought in the Victims of Crime Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.
This bill aims to speed up decisions. A new rule would close applications after 12 months if information is still missing.
Applicants get multiple warnings and can reapply. Victims Commissioner Juliette Ford welcomed the push for faster service as demand grows.
However, Women's Legal Centre director Tori Harrington warned that speed must not lock out vulnerable victims. This is especially true for survivors of sexual violence.
They may need time to gather evidence and recover from their trauma.
- 1336
- Applications in 2024-25
- 168 per cent increase
- Growth since 2020-21
- 12 months with insufficient information
- Application deadline
- Caitlin Tough
- Minister for Human Rights
Why it mattersVictim support demand is overwhelming the system. How it gets made faster will decide if hurt people can really get help.
AustraliaThe backlog in Canberra shows victim assistance is strained; how the ACT handles reform could reshape victim support across Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 d ago
