Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster has encouraged scam victims to have their say on a small step toward getting their money back, after Labor’s scam prevention framework announcement on Thursday offered faint hope of automatic reimbursement.

“I am pleased the Government has stated its belief that scam victims with verified losses below $3,000 should be automatically reimbursed, but I am concerned the Government are not really committed to that outcome,” Dr Webster said.

“I have been speaking up for years for scam victims who deserve better under Labor and helping victims get some form of reimbursement.”

“A year ago, in Mallee’s Biggest Survey I conducted, one of the most shocking results was that 1 in 5 survey respondents said they had been scammed over $1,000, with the internet the most common source at 56 per cent.   Being scammed is embarrassing, I have been a victim myself, and we need to create a culture where it is okay to talk about it and ensure vulnerable victims are reimbursed.”

In September 2024, Dr Webster spoke in support in the Maryborough and Districts Advertiser for scam victim Janet from Maryborough who had lost $30,000.

Dr Webster also spoke up in Parliament for scam victim Emily from Mildura in November 2024 about her experience, describing scammers as ‘scum of the earth’ in local newspaper columns published that month.  She followed up with a February 2025 speech on the laws creating Labor’s Scams Prevention Framework saying ‘Scammed Australians are not stupid: they are victims!’

“I spend significant amounts of time with vulnerable scam victims because some of them are understandably lost in the complexity of how they were scammed, and it is unjust that sometimes it takes a Member of Parliament’s involvement for banks to be reasonable.  Sometimes banks offer only a few dollars ‘compensation’ for a scam – it is appalling,” Dr Webster said.

“Dignified, respectful and timely resolution of scam complaints should be standard practice.”

The United Kingdom created a significant automatic reimbursement system for scam victims, paying out up to £85,000 per claim within 5 business days for standard cases.  The first report into the UK system is due in coming months.

Stakeholders have until 25 June to provide feedback on the draft rules and codes here: https://consult.treasury.gov.au/c2026-765133.

Dr Webster noted that the Government press release states they expect reimbursement up to $3,000, but nothing in the draft rules and codes talks about a particular dollar level.

“I encourage Mallee residents to let the Government know what they think is a reasonable expectation through this important consultation,” Dr Webster said.

‍