BARTLETT GOVT MUST RETAIN FULL VICTIMS OF CRIME SERVICE

And Stop Wasting Money on Junkets to Europe

The Tasmanian Greens today accused the Justice Minister Lara Giddings of penny-pinching at the expense of victims of crime, after it was revealed that Tasmania’s Victims of Crime Service is facing an uncertain future due to the government failing to re-negotiate the current three-year tender, which runs out in five weeks, and then refusing to discuss the issue with the tender operators, Lifeline.

Greens Member for Bass, Kim Booth MP, said that after wasting $50,000 sending Treasurer Michael Aird on a week-long junket to Europe, the Bartlett Government must rule out any cut to the Victims of Crime Service budget.

“The Victims of Crime Service is facing a possible 25 percent cut to its funding which will severely impact on its ability to assist victims, including the potential loss of the 24-hour counselling service, and the reduction of the northern service to just four days a week,” said Mr Booth.

“The ill-considered waste of public funds during 11 years Labor mismanagement has now led us to this shocking situation, where essential services are being cut without any justification.”

“People become victims of crime at all hours of the day and night, not just four days a week during office hours.”

“Make no mistake, this service is vital to help repair the damage done to innocent members of our community who have become victims of crime through no fault of their own.”

“The Bartlett Government just wasted $50,000 sending the Treasurer to Europe, money which could have helped victims of crime who are now facing an uncertain future.”

“Justice Minister Lara Giddings must acknowledge the damage that the current uncertainty is causing the Victims of Crime Service, and immediately commit to continuing the Service in its current format,” said Mr Booth.
Kim Booth MP Member for Bass