The new Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) will commence on Monday 18 November 2024 and is replacing the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT). Further information regarding the new scheme, eligibility, and the amount of financial assistance available can be located at www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/fas. We encourage you to speak with your legal practitioner prior to the FAS commencement or, alternatively, you may wish to contact the Victims Legal Service.
Any request for withdrawal or variation of a VOCAT application sought before FAS commencement, should be made before COB (4pm) on 8 November 2024.
The Tribunal must ensure all applications for withdrawal are considered and processed before COB (4pm) on Friday 15 November 2024.
From 18 November 2024, the Tribunal can only accept and process invoices, receipts and correspondence where VOCAT is managing the pending application for financial assistance.
All invoices/receipts for finalised VOCAT files, and any requests for variation of final awards (further assistance), must be filed with the FAS from 18 November 2024.
