Outback ambush survivor seeks compensation

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Outback ambush survivor seeks compensation
August 21 2002





Outback ambush survivor Joanne Lees has lodged claims for compensation in a
Northern Territory court as a victim of crime.

The 28-year-old English girlfriend of missing traveller Peter Falconio has
made two claims for compensation under the victims of crimes assistance
legislation.

The claims, which could entitle Ms Lees to as much as $50,000, were listed in
the Alice Springs Local Court last week.

The court registrar was not available for comment today.

But a court source said the pre-hearing conference listed on Thursday last
week was the first step in the claims process.



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Ms Lees and her 28-year-old boyfriend were ambushed 300km north of Alice
Springs on July 15 last year by a gunman who tricked them into stopping their
campervan near Barrow Creek.

The gunman apparently shot Mr Falconio before attempting to abduct Ms Lees.

The only trace found of Mr Falconio was a pool of his blood on the Stuart
Highway roadside.

The investigation is officially an abduction, although detectives have no
doubt that he has been murdered.

Both claims listed the applicant as Joanne Rachael Lees and the first
respondent was the solicitor of the NT.

The second respondent, which would normally name the offender, is listed as
unknown.

Ms Lees might have initiated the claim when she was last in Alice Springs in
February to film a program about her ordeal for British television.

Mr Lees sold an exclusive interview for a reported $85,000, reneging on her
initial vow that her story was not for sale.

Relatives of Mr Falconio could also be eligible for compensation under NT
laws.

However, it may take a coronial inquest, expected to be called in Alice
Springs in December, to officially establish the murder.

Mr Falconio's father Luciano and brother Paul flew to Alice Springs from
England within days of the tragedy.

AAP