National Redress Scheme
The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
It was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia.
The Scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years.
As of the 1 November 2018 the Tasmanian Government has officially joined the Scheme, so people can now access redress.
More information about the National Redress Scheme is available on the National Redress Scheme website or the National Redress Information Telephone Line – 1800 737 377.
On 22 May 2018, the Attorney-General, the Hon Elise Archer MP, announced that the Tasmanian Government will participate in the National Redress Scheme, a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Read the Ministerial Statement
All Australian governments have now committed to joining the Scheme.
The National Redress Scheme, administered by the Australian Government commenced on 1 July 2018.
On 20 September 2018, the Tasmanian Parliament passed the National Redress Scheme into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2018 to bring Tasmania into the Scheme. The Act has received Royal Assent and will commenced on 1 November 2018 bringing the Tasmanian Government and participating Tasmanian non-government institutions into the Scheme.
Tasmanians are able to start the application process and have their applications assessed now that the Scheme has commenced. They can also access support services to assist them with this process.
Where can you get help?
The Tasmanian Government encourages anyone affected by child sexual or physical abuse to access the services and support groups that are available to assist. Some options for advice and support are listed below:
National
1800 Respect - Call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au
24/7 telephone and online crisis support, information and immediate referral to specialist counselling for anyone in Australia who has experienced or been impacted by sexual assault, or domestic or family violence.
Lifeline - Call 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website
24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
State
Relationships Australia Tasmania - 1300 364 277
Family and relationship counselling as well as a range of specialist counselling services.
Sexual Assault Support Service Inc. - 03 6231 0044
A community based service committed to providing support and information services to survivors of sexual assault.
Information about Tasmania’s response to the Final Report