22Commissioner’s functions

22 Commissioner’s functions

22 Commissioner’s functions

(1) The Commissioner’s functions are as follows—

(a) to advocate for the rights of victims of crime at a systemic level,

(b) to identify and review systemic issues relating to victims of crime,

(c) to conduct and promote research into systemic issues relating to victims of crime,

(d) to consult victims of crime, community victims support groups and government sector agencies on systemic matters relating to victims of crime,

(e) to make recommendations to the Minister about systemic issues relating to victims of crime,

(f) other functions conferred or imposed on the Commissioner by this Act or another Act.

(2) The Commissioner has the following functions in relation to the Charter—

(a) to promote and oversee the implementation of the Charter, including by publishing codes, guidelines and other practical guidance on the implementation of the Charter,

(b) to make recommendations to assist agencies to improve their compliance with the Charter, including conducting training and recommending changes to policies and procedures,

(c) to—

(i) receive complaints from persons who, under section 10, may make complaints about alleged contraventions of the Charter, and

(ii) use the Commissioner’s best endeavours to resolve the complaints,

(d) to provide information and education to victims of crime about their rights under the Charter.

(3) A Minister or agency to whom a recommendation is made by the Commissioner in exercising the Commissioner’s functions must provide a written response to the Commissioner advising—

(a) whether or not the recommendation has been adopted, and

(b) if the recommendation has not been adopted—the reasons for the refusal or failure to adopt the recommendation.

(4) A response under subsection (3) must be provided by—

(a) the day that is 6 months after the recommendation is made, or