Victims of Crime Reference Group

Purpose

The Victims of Crime Reference Group (Reference Group) was established to provide the Attorney General and the State Government with non-binding strategic advice and recommendations to inform the development of policy, program, and service change for victims of crime in Western Australia.

The scope of the Reference Group will be weighted towards policy and program changes that are within the role of the Department of Justice. It will also consider the broader leadership role that Reference Group members have within their respective agencies or areas of expertise in relation to supporting victims of crime.

The advice of the Reference Group will be complemented by advice obtained from stakeholders through broader consultation in relation to victim of crime policy and program development.

The Reference Group will also be encouraged to identify and provide advice on additional issues that arise through their work with communities and sector professionals.

Function and Responsibilities of Members

The Reference Group is the primary forum for information exchange and discussing broad strategic issues relating to victims of crime, however, it is not a decision-making body. The Attorney General has the final decision-making authority on the progression or implementation of any reforms proposed by the group.

The Reference Group will provide independent, highly focused and practical advice to the Attorney General with regard to:

• Effective implementation of the Victims of Crime Act 1994 (WA).
• Aspects of work developed by the Department of Justice and other key stakeholders.
• Reform, strategy implementation and broad directions for enhancing supports and services to victims of crime.
• Appropriate strategies for developing and implementing services for victims of crime

In addition, the Reference Group will:

• Promote reforms required to support positive outcomes for victims of crime in Western Australia.
• Act as a consultative forum to ensure that advice to the Attorney General reflects the broad range of views and experience of victims of crime, community victim groups, other government agencies and the private sector.
• Provide advice on specific issues as requested by the Attorney General on an ad hoc basis.
• Engage with internal and external key stakeholders to identify emerging risks and issues related to victims of crime; and
• Provide critical review, feedback, and endorsement of initiatives, projects, and policies that relate to victims of crime
• Monitor, review and evaluate relevant strategies, action plans and initiatives and actively contribute to problem solving where there are identified issues.

Membership and Terms of Office

The Reference Group will include senior members from the following Department of Justice Directorates, other government agencies and the community sector.

• Commissioner for Victims of Crime, Co-Chair and Convenor
• Community Co-Chair, appointed member
• Western Australia Police Force
• Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
• Department of Communities – (TBC)
• Department of Health – Sexual Assault Resource Centre
• Legal Aid Western Australia
• Mental Health Commission
• Department of Justice (Corrective Services, Court and Tribunal Services)
• Appointed community members - four victim representatives (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, with one member drawn from the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds).

Appointed Community Members

The Attorney General will be responsible for the appointment of all community members including the community Co-Chair. Some members of the Reference Group will have a lived experience of victim of crime issues. Additionally, some members may have experience as a family member of someone who is a victim of crime. Appointed members will be selected and appointed on the basis of their experience and ability to contribute to the provision of advice to the Attorney General.

Appointed members will be appointed for up to two-year fixed terms with the option of further appointment to a maximum of four years.

Appointed members will be offered a payment of sitting fees in accordance with approved remuneration recommendations from the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Government employees are not eligible for sitting fees.

Eligible members are also entitled to the reimbursement of travel expenses for travel to and from Reference Group meetings. Reimbursement is based in the most economic means of transport available. Any travel costs must be discussed and approved by prior arrangement with the Commissioner for Victims of Crime.

Administrative Arrangements

Review Terms of Reference

The Reference Group must review these Terms of Reference annually or as required.

Frequency of Meetings

The Reference Group will meet on a quarterly basis (or as required), with options for both face to face and virtual attendance. The meetings will comprise one meeting of 120 minutes duration. During this meeting members will consider outstanding action list items from previous meetings, standing agenda items and business arising. There will be an optional meeting of 60 minutes duration for community members prior to the Reference Group meeting. The community member meeting will provide a forum for the discussion of relevant agenda items and to raise victim issues that may require the attention of the agencies represented in the Reference Group.

Out of Session Activities and Agency updates

The Reference Group members will be provided with papers related to agency work tasks that will require time out of session to review in preparation for an upcoming meeting or provide feedback.

Agencies will provide updates that are relevant to victims of crime a minimum of 10 days prior to the scheduled meeting date. Updates will be circulated to Reference Group members and will only be discussed in session if a member raises a query or comment during the meeting in relation to a specific item of the update.

Meeting Agenda and Minutes

Secretariat support for the Reference Group will be provided by the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime. The scheduling of meetings, preparing of meeting agendas, minute taking, and other coordination functions will be the responsibility of the Secretariat. Victim Issues will be a standing item on the agenda to ensure time is dedicated for community members to directly raise concerns with the Reference Group.

As far as is practicable, all meeting notices, agenda and supporting papers will be circulated to members seven working days prior. Agenda items may be nominated by any Reference Group member and confirmed 10 days prior to the meeting.

Members must read minutes thoroughly and confirm whether the minutes are a true record of what was said. If on reading the minutes, a member of the Reference Group disagrees with what was recorded in the minutes, then they should move to make an amendment. If the motion is agreed to by the majority of members present, the minutes may be altered. Each meeting will include an item on the agenda ‘Confirmation of minutes of previous meeting’.

The Secretariat must maintain all committee records within the Department of Justice corporate record management system.

Quorum

To conduct a meeting a quorum will require attendance of seven members which will include a minimum of two community members and must include one or both co-chairs.

When will meetings occur?

Meetings are held every 12 weeks (or as required). These meetings occur during business hours and run approximately 90 minutes.

Where will the meetings be held?

At the David Malcolm Justice Centre, 28 Barrack Street, in the Perth central business district. Alternative arrangements can be made available for members who are outside the metropolitan area or who do not wish to attend meetings in person.

Do I receive payment for membership?

Members receive $220.00 for attendance and meeting preparation. Full time/part-time government employees are not able to be remunerated for their contribution as a member.

If I am unable to attend a meeting, will I be paid?

No. However, the Commissioner for Victims of Crime may take account  of the reason for your absence.

Will I receive travel expenses?

Eligible members, such as those coming from regional and remote areas, are entitled to a reimbursement of travel expenses to and from the meetings. Reimbursement is based on the most economic means of transport available and is subject to approval by the Commissioner.

Who is eligible to apply?

Victims of all types of crime are welcome to apply.

How long is the membership?

Members are appointed for up to two-year fixed terms with the option of further appointment to a maximum of four years.

Who has the decision-making authority?

The Reference Group is the primary forum for information exchange and discussing broad strategic issues relating to victims of crime. The Attorney General has the final decision-making authority on the implementation of any reforms proposed by the group.