Victims of Crime Levy

What is a Victims of Crime Levy?

When a person is convicted of a serious offence in the Magistrates Court or the Supreme Court, the Victims of Crime Compensation Act 1994 requires the Court to impose a compensation levy.

A serious offence is:

(a)      an offence under the Criminal Code;

(b)      an offence under the Firearms Act 1996;

(c)      an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 2001 or Poisons Act 1971;

(d)      an offence under section 34B, 35, 36, 37(1), 37B or 37C of the Police Offences Act 1935;

(e)      an offence under the Road Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1970;

(ea)    an offence under the Marine Safety (Misuse of Alcohol) Act 2006;

(f)       an offence under –

(g)      a prescribed offence.

The Supreme Court will usually impose a compensation levy of $50 and the Magistrates Court will impose a compensation levy of $20.  The money paid under the order goes into a fund called the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.  Payments may be made from that Fund to the victims of crimes.

The Court will make an order that the levy must be paid:

  • immediately; or
  • within 28 days from the date of conviction; or
  • if the convicted person is sentenced to a term of imprisonment that is not wholly suspended, within 28 days from the date of release from prison.

The levy must be paid to the Director of the Monetary Penalties Enforcement Service.  Further information about paying the levy is available at: http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/fines/home

There may be a short delay between the time the levy is imposed and the time it can be paid online.