Victims advocate for over 30 years Howard Brown visited Bega on Monday for what he was hoping would be the sentencing of confessed paedophile Maurice Van Ryn.
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I will continue to seek changes to the law so victims are treated with some dignity and some respect.
- Victims advocate Howard Brown
Mr Brown, who has supported previous victims of the disgraced former businessman, said he is disappointed promised changes to superannuation laws which would help victims of crime, have not been made.
"Regrettably the victims of Maurice Van Ryn will never be affected by changes to the legislation," Mr Brown said.
"They feel that if we can make the process easier for the next victim, then that's the sacrifice we are willing to make."
Last year a Bega Valley-initiated petition of almost 20,000 signatures demanding criminals be prevented from hiding assets in superannuation to avoid paying victims compensation was handed to then Revenue and Financial Services Minister Kelly O'Dwyer.
Ms O'Dwyer, who has now quit politics, said during the handover of the petition at Parliament House changes would be expected by the end of 2018.
Late last year she shifted portfolios, and Mr Brown said he has not had a solid commitment from either of the major parties over the proposed changes despite a federal government initiated review in 2017.
"I don't want to give the impression that the money is to make victims millionaires. That's not the purpose," Mr Brown said.
"The purpose is to make adjustments to their lives because if they are only capable of now working a three-day week because of the need for counselling and the like.
"They will have access to fund to make up the difference, so it's basically a hand-up not a hand-out."
Mr Brown said "some" lawyers are also advising their clients to hide money in their superannuation accounts just in case they are found guilty.
"For the last 30 years I have been campaigning for the rights of victims," he said.
"The outcome of the election will make no difference to my passion. I will continue to seek changes to the law so victims are treated with some dignity and some respect.
"We don't get that now, and it needs to change."
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