Who we engage to be an Independent Decision Maker

IDMs are professionals, who have experience and qualifications in sectors including, but not limited to, social welfare, case management, policy, psychology, Indigenous affairs, and/or legal. 

IDMs have a strong understanding of the cultural, social, historical, and political factors relevant to the Scheme, and use their experience and understanding to apply, interpret, and follow legislation. 

IDMs also have high emotional intelligence, and use procedural fairness to assess applications, in accordance with the Scheme’s trauma informed framework. 

Some examples of experience held in the IDM cohort include:

• barristers/solicitors with experience in public policy and victims of child sexual abuse
• psychologists and counsellors with experience working in areas of mental health and child protection 
• social workers with experience in child protection
• previous serving police officers and detectives
• experienced public servants with backgrounds in social policy, legislation and child protection.

All IDMs must tell of any actual, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest before and during their tenure. They do not assess applications from their own State or Territory or from institutions where they have personal or professional connections.