Homicide Victim Support Group

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:42): My question is to the Attorney-General regarding the Homicide Victim Support Group of South Australia. Will the Attorney-General inform the council about the landmark anniversary being celebrated by the Homicide Victim Support Group of South Australia?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:42): I thank the honourable member for his question. The Homicide Victim Support Group of South Australia is a dedicated volunteer group that, for the past 30 years, has provided guidance and support to people who have lost a friend or a loved one to homicide.

As I said, established some 30 years ago by Ms Lynette Nitschke, the support group has provided a critical support network, helping guide families and friends of people tragically lost to homicide through the justice system and beyond during what is undoubtedly the most difficult period of their lives. The loss of a family member or friend to homicide is, for most, unimaginable, but for those assisted by the support group that tragedy is their reality. Providing that much needed support to these people is no easy task for volunteers, many of whom have also experienced the tragic loss of a loved one to homicide.

One of those remarkable people is Ms Lynette Nitschke who, after setting up the victim support group 30 years ago, has been the group's chair the vast majority of that time. This 30-year anniversary of the Homicide Victim Support Group will mark Lynette's incredible commitment to the role and her final year being formally involved in the group, as she takes a well-earned step back.

I would like to personally thank Lynette for her 30 years of service to the community, and service to those members of the community who are most in need of support, having to face that unimaginable loss of a loved one. I wish Lynette, as she steps away from the group, all the best for the next chapter of her life and look forward to seeing the continued good work that members of the Homicide Victim Support Group undertakes.

I am pleased to advise the chamber that this government has been able to support this group of volunteers to continue and bolster their good work through providing funding in last year's budget, allowing them to provide further outreach to the community and to provide support. I would like to thank all of the members and the volunteers that make up this invaluable support and information network in South Australia.