The NSW Government introduced legislation last week to expand support for families who have lost loved ones in road crimes.
The Victims Rights and Support Amendment (Victims Support Counselling) Bill 2024 will make counselling available through the Victims Support Scheme to family members of a person killed in a motor vehicle crash where someone is charged in relation to the crash.
Under the proposed changes, family members will also be eligible for counselling support if charges cannot be laid because the offender has died or cannot be located, if there is sufficient evidence to establish that an offence has apparently occurred.
An eligible family member will be able to access 22 hours of approved counselling, with further hours available if approved by the Commissioner of Victims Rights.