An award of financial assistance for expenses incurred may only be paid out upon submission of an invoice or receipt. 

From 18 November 2024, the Tribunal can only accept invoices/receipts for payment of authorised future expenses for current pending applications for assistance.

All invoices/receipts for finalised Tribunal applications for assistance must be filed with the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS). More information about the FAS, including how to file invoices/receipts, can be located on their website at www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/fas  

Difference between quotes and invoices

It is important to note the difference between quotes and invoices. 

Quote:  The current price of goods; an estimate of costs given in advance of work being done.

Invoice:  An itemised list of goods purchased, with details of their quantities and prices, sent to the buyer to document the total charge.

 

Valid Invoice

The Tribunal requires a valid tax invoice from the service provider (e.g. a counsellor/health professional/supplier) before it can process and pay an award of assistance.

A valid tax invoice in accordance with A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 must contain:

Invoice less than $1,000:	Invoice of $1,000 or more:
The words ‘tax invoice’ stated prominently The name and address of the supplier The ABN of the supplier The date of issue of the tax invoice A brief description of the goods or services sold; and Quantity or extent of service The total price of the sales (including GST)	The words ‘tax invoice’ stated prominently The name and address of the supplier The ABN of the supplier The name of the recipient The address or ABN of the recipient The date of issue of the tax invoice The quantity of the goods or the extent of the services sold A brief description of the goods and services sold; and The total price of the sale (including GST)

 

Australian Business Numbers listed on invoices

The Tribunal’s awards of financial assistance are processed using Court Services Victoria (CSV) systems. These systems will not allow payment to be made to a supplier/service provider where:

• the supplier/service provider does not have an Australian Business Number (ABN); or
• the business name provided by the supplier/service provider is inconsistent with the business name registered against the ABN.