This newsletter covers an update on the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme).  It provides a link to the ‘Easy Read’ Factsheets on the Scheme’s website, an update on institutions and recent Scheme data.

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:

Easy Read Factsheets

The Scheme has published a set of ‘Easy Read’ Factsheets, available on the National Redress Scheme website at Easy read fact sheets | National Redress Scheme.

They provide key information on the Scheme in a more accessible manner.

Topics were drawn from the long form version already available, and includes the following:

  1. What is the Scheme
  2. What does the Scheme offer
  3. Who can apply
  4. Applying to the Scheme
  5. What happens after you apply
  6. Free support

Institutions

The Scheme is continuously working with institutions that have been named in applications or identified by other means to encourage them to join and participate in the Scheme.  To date the Commonwealth, all state and territory governments and 450 non-government institutions covering around 62,500 sites such as churches, schools, homes, charities and community groups across Australia are participating.

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Declaration 2021 is available on the Australian Government’s Federal Register of Legislation: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2021N00026(Opens in a new tab/window).

For the latest information about institutions, visit our website: www.nationalredress.gov.au/institutions.

Application progress as at 12 February 2021


$405.4 million in total payments

As at 12 February 2021, the Scheme:

  • had received 9,506 applications.
  • had made 5,723 decisions.
  • issued 5,178 outcomes.
  • finalised 4,888 applications, including 4,842 payments totaling approximately $405.4 million.
  • had made 568 offers of redress, which are currently with applicants to consider.
  • was processing 3,511 applications. 
  • 771 applications on hold.

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.

Keep informed of latest news and updates to the National Redress Scheme

Subscribe (Opens in a new tab/window)