Thursday 6 March 2008

Debus flags Federal charter of victims' rights

Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, says he will introduce new laws to support victims of Commonwealth crime.

Mr Debus has told a Sydney security conference there is no Commonwealth system to support victims of crimes such as terrorism, people trafficking and pornography.

"The expansion of the Commonwealth criminal law means that there are now a lot more victims of Commonwealth crimes who are identifiable people," he said.

"For example, in cases of terrorism or people trafficking or child sex related crimes, the victims are real people."

He says the changes to legislation this year will be considerable.

"It'll include provision for victim impact statements in Federal criminal proceedings, protections for vulnerable witnesses giving testimony and a Federal charter of victims' rights," he said.

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