Media Release by The Hon Paul Fletcher MP

Liberal National Government invests $52.1 million in child sex abuse survivor support network

The Liberal National Government has committed $52.1 million in support services for Australians engaging with the National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, said 39 Redress Support Services would be funded until June 2021 to provide survivors with vital support before, during and after the application process.

“Many of these service providers are already supporting survivors and the additional funding will help them continue their important work,” Mr Fletcher said.

Some 35 existing services are receiving funding until June 2021 and five additional grants are being offered to establish Redress Support Services in areas of specific need.

“Extending the reach of this network of services is an important further step to make sure survivors receive the assistance they need,” Mr Fletcher said.

“This includes remote and regional areas, services that support male survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, survivors with disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The service providers being offered a new grant are:

  • ACT Disability and Carer Advocacy Service
  • Cape York Remote Area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care Advisory Association
  • Pilbara Community Legal Service
  • Survivors and Mates Support Network (SAMSN)
  • Blue Knot Foundation.

Last week, the Government posted its list of institutions that have not yet joined the National Redress Scheme, along with the names of institutions that have joined.

“My message to survivors is that we are with you; we understand coming forward was a brave step and we are committed to a National Redress Scheme that delivers support, an apology if desired, and a redress payment,” Mr Fletcher said.

For more information, visit www.nationalredress.gov.au