NSW survivors of institutional child sexual abuse will be among the first in Australia to be able to seek redress under a new national scheme that began on 1 July 2018.
“The wait is finally over for thousands of survivors who can now seek redress that acknowledges their suffering and helps them in their journey towards recovery,” Attorney General Mark Speakman said.
The National Redress Scheme will be administered by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services and will run for 10 years. Survivors can apply for redress by completing an application available in paper or online.
The scheme includes a payment of up to $150,000 and a direct personal response from participating institutions responsible for the abuse. NSW is leading the nation by providing survivors of child abuse in NSW institutions access to unlimited counselling and psychological support.
NSW was the first state to pass legislation required to enter the scheme, followed by Victoria while other states and territories are in the process of preparing the necessary laws. These laws enable non-government institutions in our State, including churches, charities, independent schools and other organisations to be able to participate.
“Because NSW has opted in, applications from survivors of abuse in NSW Government institutions can now be considered,” Mr Speakman said.
The non-government institutions that have announced they will participate include the Catholic Church, Scouts Australia, the Salvation Army, YMCA Australia, the Uniting Church and the Anglican Church. Applications from survivors of abuse in non-government institutions will be considered when those institutions officially sign on to the scheme.
Redress will be for child sexual abuse that occurred before the scheme’s commencement, which is in line with the recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Source: CCH Political Alert dated 2 July 2018 attaching Media Release Mark Speakman Attorney General dated 1 July 2018.
For more information on the above contact Joe Bonura on (02) 4626 5077 or jbonura@marsdens.net.au.
This article first appeared in the CCH Australian Tort, Personal Injury, Health and Medical Law Tracker and is reproduced in full with permission from CCH, a division of Wolters Kluwer Australia: www.wolterskluwer.cch.com.au
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