Criminals could be ‘taxed’ under new plan to compensate victims

Victorian criminals could soon be taxed to raise millions of dollars to compensate their victims.

Under the plan proposed by the state’s Crime Commissioner Greg Davies, offenders fronting court would pay a new $50 levy, or $20 for infringement notices including speeding fines.

The money raised would then be funnelled into a compensation fund for victims of crime, according to the Herald Sun

It’s estimated the ‘tax’ could raise up to $88 million per year.

Both major political parties have thrown their support behind the plan, with the Opposition stating they have a policy in place where the worst offenders would be slugged with a $350 court appearance fee.

“I’ll guarantee that I’ll make criminals pay, not just issue a press release saying they will,” Matthew Guy told the newspaper.

Meanwhile, Attorney-General Martin Pakula said that he would work with Comm. Davies to “develop a plan”.

Other states across the nation with a similar system in place including South Australia; criminals in court pay $160 for a summary offence, and $60 for an infringement.