The Charter of Victims’ Rights and your role
In Queensland, victims of violent crime have rights. These rights are contained in the Charter of Victims’ Rights.
Queensland Government agencies and some government-funded organisations must uphold these rights.
The Charter of Victims’ Rights is contained within the Victims’ Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board Act 2024 (Qld)
The Charter outlines:
- general rights
- rights relating to the criminal justice system
- the right to make a complaint
Responsible organisations under the Charter of Victims’ Rights
The Charter of Victims’ Rights applies to:
- all public sector entities under the Public Sector Act 20224
- a prosecutorial agency, such as the Director of Public Prosecutions
- an investigatory agency, such as Queensland Police Service
- a non-government entity funded by the Commonwealth or State to provide services to help victims as its primary function
If you work for Queensland Government, visit the For Gov website for more information about the Charter and your role.
How to uphold Charter rights
The support needs of victims of crime can be complex, significant and ongoing.
Embedding policies and procedures that align with the Charter of Victims’ Rights is an important way for us to support and interact with victims in ways that minimise trauma.
Responsible organisations can uphold victims’ rights by:
- informing victims about their rights, including how to make a complaint
- acknowledging the harm experienced by victims and their families, and providing information about available support
- training employees on their Charter responsibilities
- aligning policies and procedures with the Charter of Victims’ Rights
- developing a trauma-informed complaints process to address Charter complaints
More information
- Our helpful Guide to the Charter of Victims’ Rights includes numerous good practice examples of how to uphold Charter rights.
- If you work for Queensland Government, visit the For Gov website for more information about the Charter and your role.
- If you do not work for an organisation covered by the Charter, you can still support a victim to make a complaint against a different organisation or government agency.