More institutions now covered by the National Redress Scheme

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston announced additional institutions are now covered by the National Redress Scheme allowing more than 50 applications to be processed.

“I would like to acknowledge the significant number of institutions and sites which have joined the Scheme so far, including those not named in the Royal Commission or in an application,” Minister Ruston said.

“I encourage all institutions with a history of working with children to join the Scheme. It is never too late to show leadership and commit to child safety.”

To date the Commonwealth, all state and territory governments and 257 non-government institutions are participating which covers more than 51,500 sites across Australia.

A further 156 institutions have committed to join and finalise on-boarding by no later than 31 December 2020.

“I expect all institutions that have submitted their intent to join the Scheme to finalise the process to join the Scheme as soon as possible,” Minister Ruston said.

Minister Ruston also thanked the New South Wales, Victorian and Western Australian governments for agreeing to be a funder of last resort for a number of institutions in their states.

It means survivors of abuse at the Marella Mission Farm, Waverley Emergency Adolescent Care, Alexandra Babies Home, Shiloh Home, Roelands Native Mission Farm and Valima Hostel and Gilead Boys Home could now access redress.

A review of the National Redress Scheme is currently underway with Ms Robyn Kruk AO appointed as the independent reviewer.

Minister Ruston said the second anniversary review intends to help drive practical improvements to the Scheme.

“The review will focus on understanding what is working and how we can address the challenges and barriers that remain,” Minister Ruston said.

“We want to improve the Scheme and we want to do that together.”

People can connect with the review by making a submission online, via email, in writing or over the phone. 

Further information about the National Redress Scheme and the second anniversary review is available on the website: https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/ and this will be updated as soon as the uploading date for the survey is finalised.