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, administered by the Australian Government, started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years.
The Tasmanian Government officially joined the Scheme on 1 November 2018.
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.
Read the Ministerial Statement, from the Attorney-General, the Hon Elise Archer MP, from 22 May 2018, announcing the Tasmanian Government’s participation in the National Redress Scheme, a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
All Australian governments have now committed to joining the Scheme.
The Tasmanian Parliament passed the National Redress Scheme into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2018 to bring Tasmania into the Scheme on 20 September 2018. The Act has received Royal Assent, bringing the Tasmanian Government and participating Tasmanian non-government institutions into the Scheme.
Tasmanians are now able to apply to the National Redress Scheme to have their applications assessed. They can also access support services to assist them with this process.
The Scheme can provide:
Applicants may request one, two or all three components of the Scheme.
The Scheme is available to people who experienced sexual abuse (prior 1 July 2018) as a child (under 18 years of age) and where an institution was responsible for bringing the person into contact with the abuser.
For more information, see the National Redress Scheme website or contact the National Redress Scheme information line -
Ph: 1800 737 377.
Applicants can choose to take part in counselling as a part of the National Redress Scheme. If you do choose to take part in counselling, you can see a psychologist or a counsellor who has expertise in supporting people who have experienced child sexual abuse. Everyone who receives redress will have different counselling needs. You will be able to access at least 20 hours of counselling over your lifetime – at no cost to you. Each person’s offer of redress is different and so the amount of sessions available to you may be higher.
We can help you to connect to a local counselling service. You can choose to have face to face or telephone counselling. Our staff will work with you to find out what you need and help you to find someone who you feel comfortable with. If you already have a psychologist or counsellor, we will pay for your sessions as a part of your redress offer. Your psychologist or counsellor must contact us before you start your sessions. We will discuss the payment arrangements with them.
Psychologists and counsellors can register to become an approved service provider under the National Redress Scheme. There are minimum requirements that you must meet. Please contact us for further information or to register as a provider.
For more information on Tasmania's CPC services, see the following links or contact the Child Abuse Royal Commission Response Unit:
Information on Tasmania's CPC Services - simple text
Information of Tasmania's CPC Services (PDF, 308.9 KB)
A Direct Personal Response (DPR) is a key element of the National Redress Scheme. It is an opportunity for successful applicants to engage with the institution responsible for your abuse. A DPR can include:
A DPR face-to-face meeting is a private, facilitated meeting for you to meet with a senior government official to:
For more information on the Tasmanian Government's DPR services, see the following links or contact the Child Abuse Royal Commission Response Unit:
Information on Tasmania's DPR process - simple text
DPR Information Sheet (PDF, 347.5 KB)
Child Abuse Royal Commission Response Unit
P (03) 6165 4802 | E CPC@justice.tas.gov.au | W www.justice.tas.gov.au
Level 3, 85-99 Collins Street, Hobart Tas 7000 | GPO Box 825, Hobart Tas 7001
The Child Abuse Royal Commission Response Unit (CARCRU) is a unit within the Tasmanian Department of Justice.
It has been set up in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
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:
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.
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