National Redress Scheme slow to deliver justice for survivors

The National Redress Scheme has been marketed as an important response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse – as providing survivors with a clear, quick path to justice in a manner that is sensitive to their particular needs and wellbeing. The scheme is administered by the federal Department of Social Services. It was charged with issuing dress payments to 80 percent of applicants within six months.

Information about the National Redress Scheme

However, the Department’s latest annual report shows that in that period, only 27 percent of cases have been resolved! The ABC has reported that survivors are facing long waits with survivors – shockingly – dying while they wait for their application to be dealt with. It has been claimed that the scheme is under-resourced, and hampered by the failure of key institutions to join up.

Add to that a confusing array of state and territory laws governing how survivors can seek compensation through other channels, and it becomes apparent why many are speaking openly about their frustrations with their experiences in obtaining justice.

This is a disgrace, and survivors – promised so much in the establishment of the scheme and other changes to state and territory laws – deserve so much better. We know that child sex abuse within institutions is not a thing of the past, and every level of government must be working hand in glove to ensure that laws, systems and processes are directed at better support for survivors.

Every survivor is different, as are their needs for redress. To that end, the scheme remains an important part of providing redress – albeit subject to key improvements. However, it’s clear from these latest reports that survivors must be empowered to access all options open to them. Littles can help.

Want to know the myths and facts about what you can do? Get the facts here.