A substantial increase proposed for the grants and other support given to the victims of serious crime is a welcome announcement.
Some 60 families a year will benefit from the changes, which would raise the cash payouts for family members of homicide victims from a maximum possible $1500 to $5000.
It's tragic that such payouts are ever needed - and there is no suggestion that a sum of money can in any way alleviate the shock and grief the families must endure, but the many unexpected costs and difficulties of being involved in an horrific event will be slightly eased by the extra grant.
The Bay family of Natasha Hayden, who was strangled to death at McLaren Falls in 2005, are among those who have known the unimaginable pain of such a loss, and they are welcoming the proposed changes.
Part of their journey involved a long battle through the legal system.
A proposed new allowance of $124 a day per person for up to five adult members of homicide victims' families to attend High Court proceedings, as well as increased travel grants to attend court and Parole Board meetings, recognise the victims' rights to be part of the process - and the important role they can play if they wish, and are able, to do so.
Practical, hands-on support is also planned, with a new homicide aid service set up to assist victims with emotional help and advice, through a time of crisis for which nobody can ever be prepared.
Victims of sexual violence will also get more help, support and services.
These changes are a step forward for all those who suffer the most traumatic experiences as a result of crime.
It is interesting though that while the Government is proposing more generous support for that small sector of the community, victims of other types of trauma - such as road crashes and life-changing accidents - are in line for far less generous treatment through the crackdown on ACC ... presumably because one group has a vocal political lobby group and the other does not.
EDITORIAL: Good move to help crime victims
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