Under changes to the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013, victims of vehicular attacks will receive the same support as those directly hurt by terrorists. This includes up to $5,000 for immediate needs and $30,000 for the longer term. Families of victims will be eligible for up to $5,000 in court or criminal justice related expenses. Funeral expenses of up to $8,000 will also be available.
Additional funding will also be provided to Victims Services to provide crucial information to victims of terrorism and to deliver specialist training to counsellors, mental health workers, and youth workers.
Minister for Counter Terrorism David Elliott said proactive policing is keeping Australia safe from terror but the threat remains ever present and the terror alert is currently set at 'probable'.
“As we have seen across the globe, the arsenal of terror now includes vehicles to carry out lethal acts of violence. This reform can never erase the devastation left by terror attacks, but it will improve vital support for victims should such an atrocity ever occur here in NSW,” Mr Elliott said.
“Treating trauma caused by terrorism is a unique area of work and victims have specialised needs. Building this capability is critical to ensure victims of terrorism in NSW receive the best possible support to manage the impacts of trauma.”
