National Redress Scheme – Update

This is the April 2023 National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) update. It includes details on the Scheme’s application processing data, participating institutions and provides information about the Scheme’s Direct Personal Response Information and Support service.

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/support.

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

Scheme data

March 2023 saw the largest number of applications submitted to the Scheme since it began in June 2018.

As at 31 March 2023, there have been a total of 24,609 applications to the Scheme. The Scheme has contacted 12,576 applicants to advise them of the outcome of their application.

Of all applications:

  • 11,768 have been finalised (determined as either eligible or ineligible, with offers of Redress either accepted or declined)
  • 11,284 payments have been made totalling approximately $997.1 million dollars
  • 796 have been withdrawn by the applicant
  • 12,045 applications are on hand with the Scheme, of which:
    • 744 are with applicants, awaiting a decision on their offer of Redress
    • 1,047 are with institutions, awaiting a response to a Request For Information
    • 2,726 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)
    • 7,528 are in progress with the Scheme, of which:
      • 4,805 are being actioned
      • 2,723 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 31 March 2023, data regarding participating institutions remains the same as included in the previous update.

Declaration 1 of 2023, signed by the Minister on 8 March 2023, is available via the Federal Register of Legislation: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2023N00044

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

Direct Personal Response (DPR) Information and Support Service

The Scheme acknowledges making decisions about progressing your Direct Personal Response (DPR) can be challenging. To support people to navigate their DPR experience, the Scheme has introduced a Direct Personal Response Information and Support Service.

The Service can help you understand more about the DPR process, including what a DPR may look like and where to begin. Staff can also contact an institution on your behalf if you would like.

Contacting the DPR Information and Support team can be a really positive first step to accessing your DPR.  To find out more, call 1800 737 377 and ask to speak to DPR Information and Support.

Redress Support Services

If you are considering applying to the Scheme you may wish to have additional help and support to do so.

Redress Support Services are free and confidential. They specialise in providing trauma-informed and culturally safe support for people considering applying to the Scheme and can also provide referrals to a variety of legal, financial or emotional counselling, as well as other essential community services.

Redress Support Services can work with you throughout your journey with the Scheme and can provide support before, during and after you put an application in. There are also support services in each State and Territory so you can find support that suits you.

Find out more

For further information about the Scheme, go to www.nationalredress.gov.au or call 1800 737 377 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: https://www.facebook.com/FamiliesInAustralia/.