Second anniversary review
Content warning: This document 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/support.
If you need immediate support, 24-hour telephone assistance is available through:
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
Following the Scheme’s second anniversary, an independent review was conducted.
Open letter from the independent reviewer
Ms Robyn Kruk AO was appointed to conduct the independent review of the Scheme.
On 14 July 2020, Robyn provided an open letter to tell survivors, support services and government agencies about the Review.
The Review occurred between July 2020 and March 2021.
Robyn delivered the final report to the Minister at the end of March 2021.
About the review
The Review has now concluded.
Access to the Review report is available on this webpage in the original, as well as an accessible, format.
During the course of the Review, Robyn met with 81 survivors, support services, government agencies and ministers. Robyn received 226 submissions, which provided significant insight into the Scheme, how it operates, and how to improve the survivor experience. The Review also commissioned a feedback study in which 503 survivors, support groups and institutions participated.
Final Australian Government response to the second anniversary review
The Australian Government has released a final response to the final report of the second year review of the National Redress Scheme.
The final response indicates the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the Scheme.
The changes agreed to by all governments are focused on survivors and making the Scheme as trauma informed as it can be, including by increasing access to redress and improving the survivor experience with the Scheme.
Access to the final Australian Government response is available on this webpage in the original, as well as an accessible, format.
Interim Australian Government response to the second anniversary review
The Australian Government has developed an interim response to the final report of the second year review of the National Redress.
The interim response indicates the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the Scheme and its initial response to the Review’s recommendations. This includes actions that can be taken quickly and areas that require further development and consultation with survivors, institutions and other Scheme stakeholders.
It is anticipated that a final response to the Review’s recommendations will be provided by early 2022.
Access to the interim Australian Government response is available on this webpage in the original, as well as an accessible, format.
The National Redress Scheme Amendment Bill 2023 passes through Parliament
The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023 (the Bill) passed through the Australian Parliament on 20 March 2024. The Bill will implement outstanding measures from the Australian Government’s response to the Final Report of the Second Year Review of the National Redress Scheme.
The next step required in order to implement these changes is for the Bill to receive Royal Assent, which will occur in the coming days. Most of the measures in the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Act 2024 will then come into effect 7 days after Royal Assent.
Any applicants who are impacted by these changes will be contacted by the Scheme and provided with further information and support.