As part of the Marshall Liberal Government's need to clean up the financial mess left by the previous Labor Government, tough decisions have been made to ensure taxpayers' money is spent effectively and efficiently in areas within the Attorney-General's Department.
"The Marshall Liberal Government takes victims of crime services incredibly seriously and that is why we need to ensure the money we are spending is contributing to tangible outcomes," Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said.
"Since coming into Government it became clear to me that a new, more holistic structure was needed in the way victims' services are being delivered in South Australia. This is the start of that process.
"It's imperative that we recognise there has been a duplication in delivery services to victims in the past, and as a Government, we need to ensure these types of services are streamlined in future."
Accordingly, these efficiencies will result in a reduction in grant funding from the AttorneyGeneral's Department currently provided to the Victims Support Service (VSS) of $1.2 million per annum from 2020-21.
Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman said this grant funding will now have a sole, dedicated focus on core counselling services to support victims.
"I have asked the Commissioner for Victims' Rights to provide me with advice on the most appropriate mix of counselling services funded from the Victims of Crime Fund," Ms Chapman said.
"This advice will then inform the scope of a procurement process for the delivery of counselling services for victims of crime from July 1, 2020.
"I have asked the Commissioner to oversee these core counselling services once a service provider has been awarded the contract.
"This is part of my broader vision for the Commissioner's office to be the single point of entry for victims needing assistance.
"This will ensure a more accessible service for victims of crime and a more efficient system in how public funds are spent."
