Community Legal Centres NSW is developing the Victims Services Community Worker Training Program to equip social workers, health workers and support workers with the knowledge and resources to complete victims' compensation forms accurately and to provide appropriate supporting evidence to community legal centres making applications.
The training will provide guidance for making eligible applications and understanding the nuances of the application process, plus tips for avoiding common mistakes. It aims to ensure that more victim-survivors receive the compensation they are entitled to under the Victims Rights and Support Act.
Context for this training
The process of applying for Victims Compensation is complex and requires accurate documentation. The legislation outlines specific eligibility criteria for victims with various financial assistance categories and strict time limits for submitting claims. Incorrectly completed forms and poor-quality supporting evidence can render victim-survivors ineligible for support.
Recent changes under the Civil Law Blueprint mean that Legal Aid NSW no longer assists with initial applications, focusing solely on representation. Community legal centres are increasingly filling this gap by either making applications, supporting other services to make applications, or appealing Victims Services decisions where applications have been rejected.
Next steps
Training materials for this program will be ready in early 2026 and community legal centres around NSW will be supported to host and deliver a training workshop for their local community networks.
The schedule of workshops will be developed in early 2026.
If your community legal centre would like to host a workshop in partnership with CLCNSW, please contact Chloe Wyatt at chloew@clcnsw.org.au or on 0479 137 011.