Appeals to the Victims Compensation Tribunal
The Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act, 1996, (formerly the Victims Compensation Act 1996) allows an applicant for statutory compensation to appeal to the Victims Compensation Tribunal against a decision (known as a determination) by a Compensation Assessor. The Tribunal is comprised of a Chairperson and a number of Magistrates. An applicant can also appeal against a decision of the Director, Victims Services to refuse leave for a late application for statutory compensation.

More information on lodging an appeal to the Tribunal
- time limitiation - filing Notice of Appeal
- evidence
- the Notice of Appeal and what to include
- filing your notice of appeal
- callovers
- determinations of appeals in Chambers
- oral hearings
- where to send your Notice of Appeal
- further enquiries

Will you need a solicitor?
You can appeal yourself if you wish or be represented by a solicitor. The Law Society can provide you with the names of solicitors in your local area who will assist you in the appeal process. The number for the Law Society's Referral Service is (02) 9926 0300 or 1800 422 713 (Toll Free Call outside metropolitan area).

Your solicitor’s fees may be paid by the Tribunal in accordance with the prescribed rate Section 12 Victims Compensation Rule 1997. Please note that your solicitor is not permitted to charge you in excess of the amount payable in accordance with the scale of costs. Section 35(4) & (6) Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996.

Further enquiries
If you have any queries after reading the information on the following web pages regarding the appeal process, please do not hesitate to contact the Tribunal

Appeals to the District Court on questions of law
An applicant for statutory compensation may appeal to the District Court on a question of law arising in any determination of the application by the Tribunal. Appeals to the District Court require the leave of the District Court.

More information on lodging an appeal to the District Court
- time limitation - filing of appeal
- grounds for appeal
- grounds for appeal - exceptions
- leave
- District Court decision
- where to send your Notice of Appeal
- Caselaw