Secondary victims are eligible for financial assistance to pay for reasonable medical services that have already been paid for or that they will have to pay for in the future because of the violent act.[30] Evidence requirements for medical expenses are explained further below. The assistance available for medical expenses for secondary victims is the same as primary victims.
The FAS will pay for the following types of medical expenses incurred or likely to be incurred by eligible victims where those expenses are reasonable:
- hospital and ambulance services
- x-rays, tests, and scans
- psychiatric and psychological treatment
- medication and basic medical equipment
- dental services
- optometry, including the replacement of prescription glasses
- physiotherapy
- chiropractic treatment
- hearing aids
- osteopathy
- speech pathology
- rehabilitation services
- acupuncture, and
- occupational therapy.
This is not an exhaustive list, and the FAS may also consider medical expenses which are not in the above list.
If the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) regulates the medical or health profession, the medical services must be provided by someone currently registered by AHPRA in that relevant profession. For medical professions not regulated by AHPRA, the FAS will consider the skills and qualification of the relevant professional.
Footnotes
[30] Section 14(2)(b) of the Act.
Updated