Removal of Statutory Declaration Requirement
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The Justice Legislation Further Amendment Act 2016 has repealed section 26(e) of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1996 . As of 1 May 2016 there is no longer a requirement to verify an application for financial assistance by way of statutory declaration. The Tribunal's application form is now verified by way of acknowledgement.
In addition to the above change, the Chief Magistrate has issued Practice Direction 2 of 2016 which revoked Practice Direction 6 of 2008 - Extension of time for lodgement. Also effective 1 May, the application process for extension of time for lodgement is now captured within the Tribunal's new Application for Assistance Form.
Both these changes have streamlined the Tribunal's application process and ultimately make it easier for applicants and legal practitioners to file an application electronically.