Introduction to Victims’ Compensation

The scheme for Criminal Injuries Compensation is regulated by the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1976 (Tas) (VOCA Act). The government makes payments to acknowledge the pain and suffering of a victim of crime, and compensate for loss of income or expenses that are the result of the criminal conduct. It is also possible to sue the person who committed the crime, if they

Organisation Address: 166 Macquarie Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia

Phone: (03) 6223 2500

Web Address: https://www.hobartlegal.org.au/handbook/crime-and-punishment/victims-of-crime/introduction-to-victims-compensation/

Link Owner: Hobart Community Legal Service Inc

Also in: Victims of Crime

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Car accidents

It is an offence for a driver to fail to stop after being involved in a motor accident (s33(1), Traffic Act). The driver must remain at the scene of the crash and give any assistance that is necessary or practicable. Failure to do so may involve a fine of up to 80 penalty points or up to 2 years jail.

Web Address: https://www.hobartlegal.org.au/handbook/accidents-and-insurance/motor-vehicle/what-to-do-after-an-accident/

Link Owner: Hobart Community Legal Service Inc

Also in: Accidents & Insurance , Traffic offences

Victims of Crime Assistance in Tasmania

In Tasmania you have 3 years from the date of the offence to lodge a claim for Victims of Crime Assistance. This time can be extended in “special circumstances,” i.e. if there has been family violence. If you were a child at the time of the offence, an application must be lodged within three years of reaching the age of

Phone: 1800 682 468

Web Address: http://womenslegaltas.org.au/wordy/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Victims-of-Crime-Assistance-in-Tasmania.pdf

Link Owner: Women's Legal Service Tasmania

Also in: Victims of Crime

Alcohol and Boats

Tasmania Police can conduct alcohol breath tests on vessel operators randomly, or when a vessel operator is believed to have been drinking, or when a marine accident has occurred. A vessel operator includes anyone steering or exercising control over the course or direction, or means of propulsion of a vessel. If a breath alcohol test exceeds the limit, the police officer

Web Address: http://www.police.tas.gov.au/services-online/pamphlets-publications/alcohol-and-boats/

Also in: Alcohol , Alcohol and Other Drugs , Policing

Women’s Legal Service

Women’s Legal Service Tasmania provides a statewide service for women in relation to family law, separation and divorce, property settlements, family violence, child support and child protection.  Women’s Legal Service Tasmania is a community legal service funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department.  The service operates a free and statewide service, with offices in Hobart, Burnie and Launceston. Women’s legal service provides

Web Address: http://www.womenslegaltas.org.au

Link Owner: Women's Legal Service Tasmania

Also in: Adoption , De Facto relationships , Discrimination , Family & Relationships , Health & Ageing

What to do if arrested

Information cards and pamphlets are available from community legal centres that set out what to do in the case of arrest.  These may be useful particularly for vulnerable groups with little knowledge of the law or police powers. There are several rights and obligations that you have when under arrest.

Organisation Address: 166 Macquarie Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia

Phone: (03) 6223 2500

Web Address: https://www.hobartlegal.org.au/handbook/crime-and-punishment/search-and-arrest/what-to-do-if-arrested/

Link Owner: Hobart Community Legal Service Inc

Also in: Arrest

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Centrelink (Department of Human Services)

Centrelink are responsible for the development of service delivery policy and provide access to social, health and other payments and services. On 26 October 2004, Centrelink was created as part of the Finance and Administration portfolio. The Human Services Legislation Amendment Act 2011 integrated Medicare Australia and Centrelink into the Department of Human Services on 1 July 2011.

Web Address: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/

Also in: Advocacy , Aged Care , Alcohol and Other Drugs , Consumers, Money & Debt , Counselling and support