Questions over power, independence of Queensland Victims’ Commissioner

The proposed model of Queensland’s incoming Victims’ Commissioner is not independent enough, advocates say, with concerns it will lack the power to hold government agencies to account for failing victims.

The Miles government last month introduced legislation to establish the position of Victims’ Commissioner, with a promise of better supporting victims following a spate of serious crimes across the state. The role is being filled on an interim basis at present.

But some groups – including the Attorney-General’s own advisers – have already criticised the legislation, which was under review by a parliamentary committee, saying it would not be consistent with vital recommendations made by the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce.

The government insisted part of the Victims’ Commissioner role would be reviewing systemic issues, providing advice to the minister, and managing complaints about alleged contraventions of the Charter of Victims’ Rights.

But the government’s Independent Ministerial Advisory Council criticised the legislation for not giving the commissioner the power to enforce the Charter of Victims’ Rights.

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“While the current powers granted to the commissioner under the current draft legislation are commendable for their intent to act independently and in the public interest, they fall short in ensuring that entities and individuals are held accountable for non-compliance,” the council said in a submission to a parliamentary inquiry.

The council, established in September to give victims a voice in criminal justice reform, wanted financial penalties or mandatory corrective actions for people or government agencies which did not comply with the commissioner’s orders.

The council was headed by former Childrens Court judge John Robertson and DVConnect chief executive Beck O’Connor.