Jenkins, Mrs A.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (14:57): Supplementary: a precedent was actually set in the 1990s that compensation was actually paid to a victim of a crime in Brunei.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Pangallo, with a supplementary question, you must just ask it; there is no explanation.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: Well, I will. Is the minister aware that victims of crime compensation was paid to families of a victim of a murder in Brunei nearly 30 years ago? The other part of my question was: will he now ask the Coroner to reconsider a decision to conduct an inquest into Mrs Jenkins' death, as he can do?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:58): I thank the honourable member for his supplementary questions. In relation to his second supplementary question, I will certainly ensure that the issues that have been raised today and the comments that have been made in the overseas jurisdiction are forwarded to the Coroner's Office.

In relation to victims of crime payments, certainly there is a wide range of areas when something does not fall into when, under the statutory operations of the Victims of Crime Fund, ex gratia payments can be made. There will be different reasons why they are made in different circumstances, but, as I have said, I am aware that an application has been made and I am sure that in the not too distant future recommendations will be made to my office.