Minister calls on Institutions to finalise entry into Redress Scheme

Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, has called on institutions to finalise joining the National Redress Scheme for survivors of Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse as soon as possible.

Mr Fletcher said the National Redress Scheme has received more than 1,700 applications, answered more than 9,800 phone calls and has had more than 313,000 page views on its website.

All state and territory governments have publicly announced that they will join the Scheme. Government institutions in the ACT, NSW and Victoria are currently participating.

Mr Fletcher said nine non-government institutions have formally entered into the Scheme – the YMCA, Korowal School, Scouts Australia, Scouts NSW, Scouts Victoria, Scouts SA, Scouts WA, the United Protestant Association of NSW and the Salvation Army.

Many major churches and charities, including Catholic Church entities, the Anglican Church and the Uniting Church, have committed to joining the Scheme.

“Last week’s National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was very important milestone for our nation and for survivors,” Mr Fletcher said.

“But survivors rightly expect that the institutions will now move as quickly as possible – so the words are backed up with action.

“So do I.

“I appreciate that there are a number of formal steps for institutions joining.

“They need to decide how to structure themselves, show that they can pay for their estimated redress liability and provide detailed information about all the historical institutions they have run.

“While I welcome the fact that all of these Institutions have committed to join the scheme, it is vital that they turn words into action.”