Developing a national approach to redress for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse

The Commonwealth Government will lead the development of a national approach to redress for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

The announcement follows careful consideration of the Redress and Civil Litigation report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Established in 2013, the Royal Commission was an important first step in acknowledging the suffering of survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, and the lasting impacts of their abuse.

The report makes it clear that redress should be about providing recognition for the survivor, not about protecting the institution’s interests.

The Government recognises the importance of developing a national approach to redress as quickly as possible. Survivors want redress to assist with the healing process.

We will soon commence discussions with the states and territories to carefully work through the many complex issues to achieve an outcome for survivors as soon as possible.

The Commonwealth’s starting point for these discussions is that governments and non-government institutions should take essential responsibility for the wrongs committed under their care. The Commonwealth’s general view – to be advised by the impending negotiations – is that, while substantial responsibility for the operation of the redress process will reside with the jurisdiction in which the offending institution was or is located, it is essential all governments commit to core principles and processes for the assessment and payment of redress.

Accordingly, the Commonwealth will seek the cooperation of the States and Territories to develop a nationally consistent approach to redress through an agreed set of national principles.

A nationally consistent approach will ensure that survivors from offending institutions all receive proper redress, irrespective of the location of the institution at the time of the offending or the present status of the offending institution.
The Commonwealth will work with its state and territory counterparts to help secure justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes.
Survivors of institutional child sexual abuse can access assistance through the Royal Commission Support Services in every state and territory.
Further information on available support services can be found at: https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/support-services
24 hour telephone assistance is also available through:
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia 1800 211 028
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978