23 July 2014

WA Government supports victims of crime

Victims of crime in Western Australia are set to benefit from further funding made available through the Criminal Property Confiscation Grants.

Peter Katsambanis MLC, Member for North Metropolitan Region, praised the WA Government’s policy which uses seized criminal assets to fund programs to prevent crime and to support victims.

“These grants provide local governments and not-for-profit community groups up to $200,000 in funding.

“Projects which prevent or reduce drug-related crime and drug abuse, support crime victims and to aid law enforcement are all covered under this program.

“Unfortunately the rights and impacts on victims of crime are often forgotten long after the criminal is prosecuted.

In addition to providing funding through the Criminal Property Confiscation Act 2000, in 2013 the WA Government introduced the state’s first Victims of Crime Commissioner.

“Too often we see the rights of law abiding citizens being trampled on. Hopefully these projects and our Victims of Crime Commissioner can achieve tangible results for Western Australia.

“I urge local governments and community groups across the North Metropolitan Region to take advantage of these grants to help make our community safer by better protecting locals and assisting victims of crime.” Mr Katsambanis concluded.

The closing date for applications is Friday 19 September. Further information can be found at http://www.dotag.wa.gov.au/