NSW Government to review its Charter of Victims Rights

12/08/2009

Attorney General John Hatzistergos has announced a review of the NSW Charter of Victims Rights. The review, being conducted by the Department of Justice and Attorney General, will examine how the charter may be improved including whether the current definition of a victim is adequate under the Victims Rights Act. The review is seeking submissions from victims, families and friends of victims, victims groups, service providers, lawyers and the wider community.

Shadow Attorney General Greg Smith SC has warned the government not to give the impression that "victims will have the final say in whether cases proceed to trial".�

"The DPP Office carries the responsibility and ethical duty to make decisions based on principle rather than emotion. Prosecutors are acutely conscious of, and never disregard, the suffering and hurt experienced by victims of crime and their family and friends," Mr Smith said.

Download a copy of the consultation paper on the NSW Charter of Victims Rights. Submissions close on 4 September 2009.��

**12 August 2009 **