What is Section 18(2) and why is it so important?

The Victims Charter sets out the rights and entitlements of victims in Victoria. The Charter is the law in Victoria. 

Justice agencies have to comply with all sections of the Charter, which are called 'principles'. The Victims of Crime Commissioner can examine breaches of this important legislation. 

Section 18(2) of the Charter requires agencies developing policies and programs to have regard to the Charter, where applicable.  This means that agencies need to think about how victims' rights and entitlements, as outlined in the Charter, are supported when implementing these new ideas. 

The Commissioner is actively advocating for this to occur - that new policies and programs should consider all 17 principals of the Charter. This should be an active process and not an afterthought or forgotten altogether.  

The Charter recognises, for example, that the particular needs of victims need to be taken into account (s6(2)). For example, when new laws are prepared that might impact on victims.  This should also occur when designing new policies and program.

The views of victims should inform this work and their impact upon victims must be a key consideration.

 The Charter is a powerful and important tool for change - it protects victims and their rights- and it needs to be at the centre of new ideas and approaches.