Canberra's leading advocate for victims of crime has called for the ACT government to boost the compensation pool available under a new assistance model by 50 per cent.
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ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner John Hinchey said increased funds were essential to cater for the expected wider eligibility.
"I think it's about a $1.5 million annual pool. I'd want to see the total increased – up to $2.25 million at least – as the value has been eroded."
The ACT government announced proposed changes in April which would widen access to the scheme but significantly cut the amount victims could claim.
Mr Hinchey said he accepted broader access for victims may require a lowering of some maximum payments, but he had told government the funding pool had to be boosted to minimise this.
"As long as payments are not so low that they become meaningless or insulting; and unless we increase the pool in line with living costs, that might be the case," he said.
The present scheme's maximum aggregate payment of $50,000 to a victim of a serious crime is not proposed to change. This figure now includes a special assistance payment of $30,000.
The proposed changes would replace this with a categorised recognition payment, with a highest payout of $15,000 for families of those who were murdered or victims of culpable driving causing death.
Aggravating factors could increase the payment. The more generous special assistance payment of up to $50,000 for sexual assault victims and emergency services officers would be removed.
Attorney-General Simon Corbell would not refer to specific figures for funding last week, and said the government needed to consider the sustainability of any changes.
Mr Corbell confirmed proposed changes would provide more equitable support to a broader range of victims.
"In particular, victims of domestic violence and victims who suffer an injury that causes a substantial impairment to their quality of life will receive increased support," he said.
About 100 victims are awarded a payment under the scheme each year.
Mr Hinchey attributed an increased demand for victim support services in the past18 months to the Royal Commission into child abuse and a greater focus on stopping domestic violence.
He said the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre had dealt with about 4500 extra calls in the year to June, up 34 per cent, while Victim Support ACT had a 10 per cent increase in referrals.
Mr Hinchey said he expected final decisions on the scheme and its funding by next June.