This is the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) monthly update. It includes details on a community workshop in Wyong New South Wales, upcoming public forums in Queensland and data about applications to the Scheme.

The update contains material that could be confronting or distressing. Sometimes words or images can cause sadness or distress or trigger traumatic memories, particularly for people who have experienced past abuse or childhood trauma.

Support is available to help you if you need it. To find out more, go to 

www.nationalredress.gov.au/help-support/get-free-help-apply/redress-support-services.

If you need immediate support, 24-hour telephone assistance is available through:

NSW Community Workshops

On 17 August 2023, NSW Redress Support Services will lead a half-day workshop in Wyong for community organisations, about the National Redress Scheme. After receiving significant community interest, attendance for this event is at capacity.

The workshop aims to raise awareness of the Scheme amongst community organisations who may be supporting victims of institutional child sexual abuse. This workshop will specifically focus on how organisations and services can best support First Nations peoples engaging with the Scheme.

The next workshop for community organisations and services will be held in Cootamundra NSW on 12 September 2023, free registration will be available via Eventbrite shortly.

QLD Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce

On 23 and 30 August 2023, the Queensland Government will be hosting the final two community forums for the Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce (the Taskforce) in Beenleigh and Brisbane.

The Taskforce was established by the Queensland Government on 3 September 2018. It enables those who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse and their support services and organisations to share their views with the Queensland Government.

Sessions will include a presentation from Royal Commission member Mr Robert Atkinson AO, APM, as well as an information session from knowmore and Queensland-based Redress Support Services, and a panel discussion from the Taskforce. A representative from the Scheme will also be attending the Brisbane forum to provide further information about redress.

These forums are open to the public. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by COB Wednesday 16 August by emailing taskforce.secretariat@cyjma.qld.gov.au.

More information about the event can be found at Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce Forum (dcssds.qld.gov.au)(Opens in a new tab/window) and further details about the Taskforce can be found at www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/thr-taskforce(Opens in a new tab/window).

Scheme Data

As at 4 August 2023, there have been 29,082 applications to the Scheme. We have contacted 13,881 applicants to advise them of the outcome of their application.

Of all applications:

  • 13,084 have been finalised (determined as either eligible or ineligible, with offers of Redress either accepted or declined)
  • 12,333 payments have been made totalling approximately $1.094 billion dollars
  • 1,029 have been withdrawn by the applicant
  • 14.969 applications are on hand with the Scheme, of which:
    • 715 are with applicants, awaiting a decision on their offer of Redress
    • 1,973 are with institutions, awaiting a response to a Request For Information
    • 4,143 are on hold (for reasons such as at the request of the applicant; where further information has been requested from the applicant; where there is difficulty contacting the applicant or due to a non-participating institution)
    • 8,138 are in progress with the Scheme, of which:
      • 5,808 are being actioned
      • 2,330 are temporarily unable to be actioned (for reasons such as awaiting contact from the applicant, or awaiting extra information).

Participating institutions update

The Government encourages all institutions who have a history of interacting with children to sign up to the Scheme as soon as possible.

As at 4 August 2023, data regarding participating institutions remains the same as included in the previous update.

The Declarations are available on the Federal Register of Legislation:

For the latest information about institutions, visit our website:

www.nationalredress.gov.au/institutions.

Find out more

For further information about the Scheme, go to www.nationalredress.gov.au or call 1800 737 377 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm AET from Australia or +61 2 6222 3455 from overseas.

For regular updates about the Department of Social Services and the Scheme, you can ‘like’ or ‘follow’ the Australian Families Facebook page: facebook.com/FamiliesInAustralia(Opens in a new tab/window).

The Australian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to the Elders both past and present.

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