To ensure victims of crimes and their families aren't being ignored by a faceless system, a new victims' advocacy role will provide independent support and oversight and hold government agencies to account.
Hannah Damkar will become NSW's first independent Victims of Crime Commissioner, advocating for the rights of victim-survivors of crime and help drive reforms to improve their experience of the justice system, the government announced on Monday.
Ms Damkar has worked with victims of some of Australia's most horrific tragedies including the Bondi Beach shooting, the Westfield stabbing attack, and the Greta bus crash in which 10 people died when a wedding bus overturned.
Working with the Jewish community in the wake of the Bondi terror attack taught her two things, Ms Damkar told reporters.
"One is that there is light over darkness, and the second is that hope trumps hatred," she said.
The experienced public servant has also been recognised for outstanding public service during the New South Wales 2019 – 2020 bushfires, COVID-19 pandemic and Northern Rivers floods.
In her new role, Ms Damkar will identify systemic issues faced by victims of crime through consultation and make recommendations for improvements.
A new framework aims to give Ms Damkar practical abilities to resolve victims' complaints including recommending agencies apologise or review policies and procedures.
Mr Minns said for those facing the worst days of their lives, dealing with the bureaucracy of government can feel faceless and cold.
"The point of the victims' commissioner is to make sure that there's an independent person who's in the victims' corner, who's standing side by side with victims of crime," he said.
Appointed for a five year term from 30 July 2026, Ms Damkar will also be responsible for upholding the state's Charter of Victims' Rights and identifying instances where it has been breached.
At its heart, the role is about ensuring people are treated with respect, Ms Damkar said.
"While this role is a huge honour, it's also a huge responsibility and one that I do not take lightly," she said.
Ms Damkar will appoint a new Victims Advisory Committee to replace the existing Board which will include representatives from the general community with experience and knowledge in matters relating to victims of crime as well as various agency representatives.
Establishing an independent victims commissioner was an election commitment by the NSW Labor government led by Mr Minns, with legislation for the new role passing in October.
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