SA becomes final state to join National Redress Scheme

The South Australian Government has completed the final steps to join the National Redress Scheme – meaning that survivors of sexual abuse in institutions operated by the South Australian government are now able to have their applications for redress processed.

Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, said this was a milestone for the Redress Scheme as it now covered institutions operated by all state and territory governments across Australia. 

“This means applications for redress from eligible survivors of sexual abuse in government institutions across Australia can be processed,” said Minister Fletcher.

“I congratulate the state and territory governments for prioritising their entry to Redress and repeat my call for churches and non-government institutions to accelerate their efforts.

“Survivors can make applications for redress at any time but applications can’t be processed until the relevant institution has completed the necessary steps to join the Scheme.

“The wellbeing of survivors is at the centre of Redress so we need institutions to get on board so people can access the support and acknowledgement they need and continue the healing process.”

The Australian Government established the National Redress Scheme to acknowledge and support people who experienced child sexual abuse in institutions. Redress can include access to counselling services, a direct personal response from the responsible institution for people who want it, and a redress payment.

For more information, including a searchable list of institutions and their local sites that have joined the Scheme and support services to help people who are considering applying for redress visit www.nationalredress.gov.au/institutions.