Victorian Bar media release - Victorian Bar welcomes Victorian Government support for victims of crime

9May2017

The Victorian Bar welcomes the increased funding provided by the Victorian Government to support victims of crime in the justice system.

Full media release below. 

 

The Victorian Bar welcomes the increased funding provided by the Victorian Government to support victims of crime in the justice system.

One of a series of measures announced by the Government to support victims of crime, the Victorian budges provides $18.9 million for the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) to brief the best quality representation to prosecute serious criminal matters, including carjackings, home invasions, family violence and sexual offencee. The increased funding also allows the OPP to provide more resources for victims in court.

"The Victorian Bar applauds the Government's committment to supporting victims of crime in the justice system," said Victorian Bar President, Jennifer Batrouney, QC. "It is important that the work of prosecutors in the criminal justice system be valued.

"The boost in funding for the OPP recognises the expertise of the Victorian Bar in criminal prosecutions and is long overdue. The last fee increase was in 2007. Many barristers have provided years of excellent service in undertaking work for the OPP. The budget allocation will reward and retain the services of those barristers and will also attract new barristers to prosecution work."

Media Enquiries: 

Michelle Hindson on +61 414 207 049 or by email to michelle@hindsonconsulting.com

Katherine Lorenz on +61 3 9225 7990 or by email to ceo@vicbar.com.au