Media Release by The Hon Dan Tehan MP

National Redress Scheme starts

Survivors of institutional child sexual abuse can begin planning their application for redress, with the National Redress Scheme starting today.

The National Redress Scheme will provide survivors with access to counselling, a redress payment and a direct personal response from the institution. The Scheme will run for 10 years, and people can apply any time up until 30 June 2027.

A person can apply for the Scheme if:

  • they experienced sexual abuse when they were under 18 years of age;
  • the abuse occurred before 1 July 2018 at an institution that was responsible for bringing them into contact with the person who abused them;
  • they are an Australian citizen or permanent resident born before 30 June 2010.

Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said: “The Redress Scheme was the result of consultation with survivors, co-operation between the states, territories and non-government institutions and hard work.

“I encourage all eligible survivors to apply for the Scheme as part of their healing process and to receive the acknowledgement that the institution failed them.”

To apply for redress, people will complete an application form explaining what happened to them and how it has impacted them. Application forms are available in paper or online through myGov.

All state and territory governments and many large non-government institutions have committed to join the Scheme, with more expected to join. More than 90 per cent of the estimated 60,000 survivors will now be able to apply.

Support available to survivors include:

  • A website at www.nationalredress.gov.au  
  • From Monday, people can call the National Redress Scheme on 1800 737 377, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm (local time), excluding public holidays.
  • Redress Support Services to help people understand the Scheme and complete their application.
  • Free legal and financial support.