Our History

Voice for Victims was established as a grassroots movement by victims and concerned Queenslanders seeking stronger recognition of victims’ needs within the justice system.

The group began engaging with government, agencies and decision-makers, contributing to public discussions and inquiries, and elevating victims’ voices in policy and justice reform conversations across Queensland. Community members were also invited to add their voice, with hundreds participating in peaceful rallies that attracted significant media attention.

Voice for Victims was among the leading advocates calling for the establishment of a dedicated Victims’ Commissioner – a reform long sought by victims and community advocates. The appointment marked a significant step toward strengthening oversight, accountability and advocacy for victims of crime in Queensland.

The Queensland Premier announced an increase in financial assistance payments for victims of crime – one of the key issues consistently raised by Voice for Victims. Further work continues to improve both the timeliness and adequacy of victim support.

Following advocacy by Voice for Victims, the Queensland Premier announced the formation of the Independent Ministerial Advisory Council (IMAC). Voice for Victims founder Ben Cannon was appointed to the Council and, due to health reasons, later stepped down and was replaced by Natalie Merlehan.

Voice for Victims participated in multiple youth crime forums across Queensland, attended Youth Justice Reform Committee hearings, and continued engagement with all levels of government and relevant agencies.

As public recognition of Voice for Victims grew, so did requests for assistance from victims. During this period, the organisation began providing informal support through its volunteer network, highlighting the growing need for structured services.

Voice for Victims was a leading advocate for the establishment of a dedicated ministerial portfolio for victims of crime. The inaugural Minister for Youth Justice and Victims of Crime, Laura Gerber MP, was appointed, strengthening accountability and elevating the focus on victim needs at a government level.

Voice for Victims representatives continue to participate in various advisory councils and reference groups, and are appointed to new ones.  Our primary role being to ensure a focus on victim support and justice reform, ensuring lived experience informs system design.

During this period, a range of reforms advocated by Voice for Victims were implemented, including requirement for judges to consider victim impact statements and harm caused during sentencing, removing ‘detention as a last resort’ from the Youth Justice Act 1992, increasing minimum sentencing, implementing mandatory minimum penalties for youths for specific serious officence, ban of the sale of knives, axes, machetes, sharp weapons and gel blasters to people under 18 years of age, and removing the ability for children to carry sharp weapons.  A tele-mental health service for victims of violent crime was also established, funded by the government.  The government also made a commitment to invest in proven rehabilitation programs for youths.

Voice for Victims members Trudy Ready and Natalie Merlehan were invited to join the Stakeholder Reference Group to work on the Victims Advocate Service project.

As the need for direct, practical support became increasingly clear, Voice for Victims formally set about establishing the Voice for Victims Foundation as a registered charity.

The process took several months and included endorsement as a Charity with Public Benevolent Institution status by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) in October 2025, followed by Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) endorsement by the Australian Taxation Office in November 2025.

Voice for Victims Foundation officially launched and commenced more structured services for victims of crime, alongside fundraising to secure the resources required to deliver safe, structured and sustainable support.

This marked a critical transition from advocacy to service delivery – ensuring victims receive practical assistance where gaps in the system remain.