National Redress Scheme

The National Redress Scheme provides support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse prior to 1 July 2018.

This page can give you information about:

  1. What the National Redress Scheme is
  2. What the National Redress Scheme can provide you
  3. Who is eligible to apply for redress, and
  4. What legal and practical supports are available to people thinking about applying for redress.
What is the National Redress Scheme?

The National Redress Scheme provides an opportunity for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse to:

  • be heard
  • have their experience acknowledged, and
  • receive counselling and a financial payment.

More information about the National Redress Scheme is available via:

What can the National Redress Scheme provide?

The National Redress Scheme can provide:

People who are eligible for redress may request one, two, or all three components of the National Redress Scheme.

Who can apply to the National Redress Scheme?

You can apply to the National Redress Scheme if:

  • you experienced sexual abuse when you were a child (under 18 years old), and
    • the abuse happened before 1 July 2018, and
    • an institution was responsible for bringing you into contact with the person who abused you, and
  • you were born before 30 June 2010, and
  • at the time you apply, you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Find out more about National Redress Scheme eligibility.

How can I apply for redress?

You can apply to the National Redress Scheme up to 30 June 2027. It does not cost anything to apply to the National Redress Scheme.

The National Redress Scheme website gives detailed information for people considering applying for redress.

If you would rather chat to someone about the application process, you can call the National Redress Scheme on 1800 737 377.

What Tasmanian institutions are participating in the National Redress Scheme?

Institutions must have agreed to join the National Redress Scheme so they can provide redress to people who experienced child sexual abuse in relation to their institution.

All Tasmanian government institutions have joined the National Redress Scheme. Many non-government institutions have also joined the Scheme, including the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and the Salvation Army.

This is a list of Tasmanian institutions which have joined the National Redress Scheme. This list is regularly updated, so you can still make an application to the National Redress Scheme even if you do not see the institution relevant to you on the list.

Where can I find out about any updates to the National Redress Scheme?

The National Redress Scheme website has a page that lists all the recent changes to the Scheme.

Where can I get support?

There are free and confidential support services available to people engaging with, or considering engaging with, the National Redress Scheme.

Practical support

For practical and emotional support before, during and after you make, or consider making, an application to the National Redress Scheme, contact:

Legal support

knowmore is a free, confidential and independent legal service available to anyone considering applying for redress under the National Redress Scheme.

knowmore can help you:

  • understand the options available to you, including compensation through other schemes as well as civil claims
  • understand the application requirements and process
  • if you choose to seek an internal review of your offer of redress
  • understand the effect of accepting an offer of redress, and what that means for any future claims.

Visit the knowmore website or call on 1800 605 762.

You may want to use your own legal service to get advice and assistance. This may not be free.

Financial support

knowmore provides free and confidential financial counselling for people who are thinking about applying or have applied to the National Redress Scheme.

Financial counselling can help you to understand how a redress payment may affect your situation, particularly if you receive a Centrelink payment, are living in residential aged care or have any debts.

Seeking financial counselling can allow you to make the most of your redress payment.

Find out more about knowmore’s free financial counselling service.

Find out more about the payment options available to redress recipients.

Seeking help?

We encourage anyone affected by, or with concerns about, child sexual abuse or other types of child abuse to access advice and support.

National:

  • For domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling and support, contact
    1800RESPECT:
    • Phone: 1800 737 732
  • For short-term support if you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe, contact Lifeline:
    • Phone: 13 11 14
  • For free professional phone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide living in Australia, contact Suicide Call Back Service:
    • Phone: 1300 659 467
  • For information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia, contact Beyond Blue:
    • Phone: 1300 224 636
  • For information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma, contact
    Blue Knot Foundation:
    • Phone: 1300 657 380
  • For counselling and support for Australian men, contact MensLine Australia:
    • Phone: 1300 789 978
  • For advice for men about family violence, contact Men's Referral Service:
    • Phone: 1300 766 491
    For free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years, contact Kids Helpline:
    • Phone: 1800 55 1800

Tasmania:

  • For information about child wellbeing and safety, contact
    Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line:
    • Phone: 1800 000 123
  • For free and confidential support for people who have been affected by sexual violence, contact the Tasmanian Sexual Assault Support Line (24 hour response state-wide):
    • Phone: 1800 697 877
    This line is run by the Sexual Assault Support Service in the South, and Laurel House in the North West.
  • For information and support for children, young people and adults affected by family violence, contact
    Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:
    • Phone: 1800 608 122
  • For free and confidential support for people impacted by crime, contact
    Victims of Crime Service:
    • Phone: 1300 300 238
  • For support for relationships and to live positive lives, contact
    Relationships Australia Tasmania:
    • Phone: 1300 364 277
Last updated: 18 April 2023