More criminals will be forced to pay into a fund that compensates and helps rehabilitate victims of violent crimes, the NSW government says.
Any person convicted of a criminal offence in NSW will now be required to pay a levy and it is estimated this could extend to an additional 65,000 offences each year.
Previously, levies were only imposed on people convicted of an offence that carried a jail term.
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NSW Attorney-General John Hatzistergos says it is only fair that people who engage in criminal behaviour contribute to a fund that helps victims rebuild their lives.
"The change now means, for example, that a person charged with low range drink driving will now have to pay the levy if convicted." Mr Hatzistergos said that the expansion brings NSW into line with other jurisdictions and excludes all offences dealt with by penalty notice.
The NSW Victims Compensation Fund can award up to $50,000 to victims of violent crime including both psychological and physical harm.
The levy for any person convicted of a criminal offence in NSW is either $64 or $148, depending on the seriousness of the crime.
Mr Hatzistergos also announced the expansion of the Victims Assistance Scheme, which helps victims of violent crime who are not eligible for compensation because their injuries do not reach the threshold.
"The Victims Assistance Scheme will now be able to reimburse victims of crime up to $1500 for any expense incurred as a result of their injuries."
