Victims Support Scheme NSW and Bondi Beach Victim Recovery Payment

Written By Amelia Palazzo - Law Clerk

The NSW Victims Compensation Scheme provides assistance to victims of violence in NSW, and the families of those who have lost their lives. A special scheme has also been established in relation to the terrorist incident at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025.

We acknowledge the tragic events that took place at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025, and express our sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and wider community, who have been affected by these deeply devastating acts of violence.

Victims Support Scheme - Types of Support Available

Counselling

The Victims Support Scheme offers up to 22 hours of counselling, to help victims recover from the psychological and emotional impacts of a crime.

Financial Assistance for Immediate Needs

Financial assistance for immediate needs is available and intended to help cover urgent health, safety, security and wellbeing expenses incurred as a result of a violent crime. Eligible victims may receive up to $5,000.00 to reimburse the cost of expenses.

Financial Assistance for Economic Loss

Financial assistance for economic loss is available and intended to help cover expenses resulting from the Bondi terrorist incident. Eligible victims may receive up to $30,000.00 to reimburse the cost of expenses

Recognition Payment

The Victims Support Scheme provides a recognition payment between $1,500.00 and $10,000.00 for primary victims who have been injured, and between $7,500.00 and $15,000.00 for eligible immediate family members of the deceased victim.

Depending on your circumstances and the act of violence, your solicitor can advise you further in respect of the various benefits available under the scheme and whether they are applicable to you.

Time Limits

• There is no time limit to lodge an application for counselling only.
• For financial assistance for immediate needs – must be lodged within 2 years of the incident or within 2 years of turning 18, if the victim was a child at the time of the incident.
• For financial assistance for economic loss – must be lodged within 2 years of the incident or within 2 years of turning 18, if the victim was a child at the time of the incident.
• For a recognition payment – must be lodged within 2 years of the incident or within 2 years of turning 18, if the victim was a child at the time of the incident.

Evidence Required

Depending on the type of support being claimed, when submitting an application, you will be required to provide:

• A form of government-issued identification (i.e. a Driver’s Licence or passport).
• Copies of itemised tax invoices or receipts for the expenses being claimed.
• Evidence in support of financial dependency (only applicable if you were financially dependent on the deceased victim).

The act of violence also needs to be reported to NSW Police or another State Government entity.

Bondi Beach Victim Recovery Payment

An additional lump sum payment is available to some victims, and family members of deceased victims, through the Bondi Beach Victim Recovery Payment (“Recovery Payment”).

Types of Support Available

• A lump sum payment of $35,000.00 is available for primary victims (Category 1); and
• A lump sum payment of up to $75,000.00 is available for the family group of eligible family victims (Category 2).

Time Limits

In order to be eligible for the Recovery Payment as a primary or family victim, individuals must apply under the Victims Support Scheme by 13 December 2027.

Applying for the Recovery Payment

If you satisfy the above requirements and eligibility criteria for the Recovery Payment, you are not required to lodge a separate Victims Support Application for the Recovery Payment. Rather, you will be considered for the Recovery Payment when you apply under the usual NSW Victims Support Scheme.

Takeaways

It is always advantageous to have a solicitor review your claim. A solicitor will handle the day-to-day carriage of the matter, leaving you to concentrate on the recovery process.

Marsdens will help gather the evidence necessary to make a successful claim for compensation.

For further support and information regarding the NSW Victims Compensation Scheme and the Bondi Beach Victim Recovery Payment, please contact our office.