Government to investigate claims of fraud in victims of crime scheme

The Queensland government will investigate claims of fraud in a scheme designed to support victims of crime, as its cost blows out.

Victim Assist Queensland (VAQ) provides financial assistance for victims of crime in the state, who may require services such as counselling or legal advice.

The Australian reported on Monday costs were on track to top half-a-billion dollars this financial year amid claims of rorting, including by prison inmates.

It said applicants were predicted to hit 70,000 by 2032, up from fewer than 10,000 in 2022.

The office of Laura Gerber, minister for youth justice and victim support, urged anyone with information about rorting of the scheme to come forward.

“Our priority is supporting victims, including domestic and family violence victims,” Gerber said in a statement.

“Any financial assistance fraud is not only a crime but takes support away from victims in their time of need.”

She did not comment on the dramatic increase in payouts.

Associate professor doctor Heather Lovatt, director of the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, said alleged fraud should be investigated, but the government needed to be careful it did not increase the barriers to entry for those genuinely in need.

“Sexual assault and domestic violence is traumatic enough, and you want victim survivors feeling they can come forward,” Lovatt told this masthead.

“Any potential rorting should be investigated, but it needs to be very carefully considered with how you build in greater risk-mitigation and governance … that doesn’t involve making it more difficult for those applying.”

She added she had seen the importance of VAQ firsthand.

“We know that when you’re leaving or trying to leave a situation, you’re often leaving with nothing … you may well go into poverty,” Lovatt said.

“To be able to access financial support, and also to be linked with the right people that can provide further support, is just so vital.”

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.