Victims of crime seeking compensation could see the system ‘overburdened’

The Premier has promised to support victims of crime, but wouldn’t explain why the government isn’t negotiating compensation for the families of those killed by parolees.

The families of those killed by parolees say they feel like the government has turned its back on them, with the case headed for the courts.

Bridget O’Toole, whose husband Dermot was murdered by a violent offender inexplicably allowed to remain in the community, told Neil Mitchell the government must have something to hide.

‘Why are they blocking us, Neil?’ she said.

‘Why are they blocking our lawyers?

‘I just don’t understand.’

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There are fears the state’s already overburdened system aimed at compensating victims of crime will face a further strain when the weight of the Bourke Street tragedy falls on it.

More than 30 people were injured and six were killed when a vehicle tore through the CBD.

Police have already taken more than 500 witness statements and more than 800 people have sought out counselling. 

Victims of Crime Commissioner Greg Davies told Neil Mitchell the hundreds who witnessed the horror were also entitled to compensation. 

‘It’s just a burdening problem, once people start to realise they can make those sorts of applications it’s only going to overburden an already overtaxed system,’ he said on 3AW Mornings. 

Click PLAY below to hear more from the Victims of Crime Commissioner