February update 2023

This newsletter provides an update on the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme). It includes details on the Scheme’s application processing and participating institutions, our Direct Personal Response Information and Support service, and an update to the Intergovernmental Agreement.

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:

Application progress

  • As at 27 January 2023, there have been 22,474 applications to the Scheme. We have contacted 11,932 applicants to advise them of the outcome of their application.
  • Of all applications:
    • 11,073 have been finalised (determined as either eligible or ineligible, with offers of Redress either accepted or declined)
    • 10,659 payments have been made totalling approximately $939 million dollars
    • 719 have been withdrawn by the applicant
    • 10,682 applications are on hand with the Scheme, of which:
      • 835 are with applicants, awaiting a decision on their offer of Redress
      • 1,054 are with institutions, awaiting a response to a Request For Information
      • 2,318 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)
      • 6,475 are in progress with the Scheme, of which:
        • 4,196 are being actioned
        • 2,279 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 Declaration 7, signed by the Minister on 21 December 2022:

  • all Commonwealth and State and Territory government institutions and 629 non government institutions are now participating in the Scheme.
  • approximately 71,000 sites across Australia are now covered by the Scheme.
  • 95 unique institutions have been declared under the Funder of Last Resort (FOLR) arrangements.

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

Direct Personal Response

A Direct Personal Response (DPR) is one of three components of redress under the National Redress Scheme (the others being a financial payment and access to counselling).

A DPR is an opportunity to have a survivor’s experience of abuse and its impacts recognised by the responsible institution and to receive an apology from them.

The Scheme can provide survivors with more information about the direct personal response — what it is, what it can involve, and what it might look like for them. Assistance is also available to participating institutions who are delivering a DPR.

Please call the Scheme on 1800 737 377 and ask to speak to DPR Information and Support for further information or assistance.

Update to Intergovernmental Agreement

On 7 October 2022, the Ministers' Redress Scheme Governance Board agreed to implement the Second Year Review recommendation to amend the Intergovernmental Agreement on the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (IGA).

The Agreement now includes survivors and advocates as part of the formal governance arrangements of the Scheme, as well as other amendments to take into account other recent reforms to the Scheme.

The amended IGA is published on the federation.gov.au website at Intergovernmental Agreement on the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse(Opens in a new tab/window).

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).

March update 2023

This newsletter provides an update on the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme). It includes details on the Scheme’s application processing and participating institutions.

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:

Application progress

  • As at 10 March 2023, there have been 23,810 applications to the Scheme. We have contacted 12,363 applicants to advise them of the outcome of their application.
  • Of all applications:
    • 11,495 have been finalised (determined as either eligible or ineligible, with offers of Redress either accepted or declined)
    • 11,071 payments have been made totalling approximately $978 million dollars
    • 780 have been withdrawn by the applican
    • 11,535 applications are on hand with the Scheme, of which:
      • 821 are with applicants, awaiting a decision on their offer of Redress
      • 1,005 are with institutions, awaiting a response to a Request For Information
      • 2,571 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)
      • 7,138 are in progress with the Scheme, of which:
        • 4,599 are being actioned
        • 2,539 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 Declaration 1 of 2023, signed by the Minister on 8 March 2023:

  • all Commonwealth and State and Territory government institutions and 633 non government institutions are now participating in the Scheme.
  • approximately 71,000 sites across Australia are now covered by the Scheme.
  • approximately 98 unique institutions have been declared under the Funder of Last Resort (FOLR) arrangements.

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).

April update 2023

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/help-support/get-free-help-apply/redress-support-services.

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(Opens in a new tab/window)

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 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).

May update 2023

This National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) update includes details on the Government’s Final Response of the Second Year Review, more information on the special assessment process for serious criminal convictions, the Scheme’s application processing and participating institutions.

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:

Final Response of the Second Year Review

On 4 May 2023, the Government released the final response of the Second Year Review of the National Redress Scheme. The report can be found here: https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/about/about-scheme/second-anniversary-review.

The final response indicates the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the Scheme and ensuring it is trauma-informed.

The additional improvements reflected in the Final Response include:

  • offering reassessment of an application if a relevant institution subsequently joins the scheme;
  • removing the restrictions on people applying from prison;
  • making changes to the process related to Serious Criminal Convictions to reduce the number of people required to go
  • through the full special assessment process;
  • combining separate payments to simplify the assessment process and ensure all redress outcomes recognise the impact of the abuse survivors experienced;
  • changing the internal review processes to allow additional information to be provided by applicants as part of a review of their redress outcome; and
  • further expanding access to redress for former child migrants.

All proposed Scheme improvements are subject to legislative change, to be agreed with state and territory governments. More information is available at the Department of Social Services website and the National Redress Scheme website.

Special assessment process for people with serious criminal convictions

The Scheme has a special assessment process for people with serious criminal convictions. A person has a serious criminal conviction if they have been sentenced to imprisonment for 5 years or longer for an offence against a law of the Commonwealth, a State, a Territory or a foreign country. To start the special assessment process, a person needs to complete the Serious Criminal Conviction Additional Information Form. The form asks for information so the Scheme can undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).

There are certain identity requirements a person must meet for the NCCHC process. There are two ways a person can meet these identity requirements:

A person can verify their identity through Centrelink.

If a person is unable to verify their identity through Centrelink, a person must provide three certified copies of identification documents, including:

  • one commencement of identity document,
  • one primary use in the community identity document, and
  • one secondary use in the community identity document.

Further information is available at Serious Criminal Convictions | National Redress Scheme.

Application progress

As at 28 April 2023, there have been 25,546 applications to the Scheme. We have contacted 12,811 applicants to advise them of the outcome of their application.

Of all applications:

  • 12,007 have been finalised (determined as either eligible or ineligible, with offers of Redress either accepted or declined)
  • 11,466 payments have been made totalling approximately $1.014 billion dollars
  • 837 have been withdrawn by the applicant
  • 12,702 applications are on hand with the Scheme, of which:
    • 735 are with applicants, awaiting a decision on their offer of Redress
    • 999 are with institutions, awaiting a response to a Request For Information
    • 2,922 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)
    • 8,046 are in progress with the Scheme, of which:
      • 5,272 are being actioned
      • 2,774 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.

Declaration 2 of 2023, signed by the Minister on 18 April 2023, includes institutions that are now participating in the Scheme. 

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).

June update 2023

This is the June 2023 National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) update. It includes details on Redress Support Services, knowmore Legal Service, and Scheme data regarding application processing and participating institutions.

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:

Redress Support Services

Redress Support Services (RSS) provide free, confidential and specialist support for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse, and want to engage with the National Redress Scheme.

RSS provide information about the Scheme, can assist with filling out an application, can make referrals to other legal, financial or emotional counselling, and give guidance and emotional support before, during and after a person submits a Redress application.

Redress Support Services offer face-to-face, online and telephone services. Specialist support is also available for people with disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, care leavers and former child migrants.

There are support services in each State and Territory, or visit the National Redress Scheme website so you can find support that suits you.

knowmore Legal Service

knowmore Legal Service provides free, confidential and independent legal advice for people who are considering applying to the National Redress Scheme. Survivors of child sexual abuse may have different legal options to pursue depending on their circumstances, and knowmore can help people understand what is available to them.

knowmore also offers a free financial counselling service for people who are thinking about applying or who have applied to the National Redress Scheme.

knowmore has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin, and offers telephone appointments to people in most parts of Australia. knowmore also regularly travels to different locations around Australia, offering face-to-face community education and legal advice sessions.

For more information please visit https://knowmore.org.au/(Opens in a new tab/window), or freecall 1800 605 762 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AET.

Scheme data

As at 2 June 2023, there have been 26,802 applications to the Scheme. We have contacted 13,185 applicants to advise them of the outcome of their application.

Of all applications:

  • 12,374 have been finalised (determined as either eligible or ineligible, with offers of Redress either accepted or declined)
  • 11,795 payments have been made totalling approximately $1.044 billion dollars
  • 907 have been withdrawn by the applicant
  • 13,521 applications are on hand with the Scheme, of which:
    • 739 are with applicants, awaiting a decision on their offer of Redress
    • 1,213 are with institutions, awaiting a response to a Request For Information
    • 3,484 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)
    • 8,085 are in progress with the Scheme, of which:
      • 5,460 are being actioned
      • 2,625 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.

When a new institution joins the Scheme or the status of a participating institution changes, the Minister signs a Declaration which is an official list of all participating institutions. As of Declaration 2 of 2023, signed by the Minister on 8 May 2023:

  • all Commonwealth and State and Territory government institutions and 629 non-government institutions are now participating in the Scheme.
  • approximately 71,000 sites across Australia are now covered by the Scheme.
  • 102 unique institutions have been declared under the Funder of Last Resort (FOLR) arrangements.
    • These institutions are defunct and the Commonwealth and/or relevant state governments are the FOLR.

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).

July update 2023

This is the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) update. It includes details on a recent community workshop in New South Wales, the Scheme data regarding application processing and an update on participating institutions.

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:

Community Workshops

National Redress Scheme, What you need to know, A free half day workshop for community organisations and servicesNational Redress Scheme, What you need to know, A free half day workshop for community organisations and services
On 22 June 2023, NSW Redress Support Services led a half-day workshop in Parramatta for community organisations about the Scheme.

The workshop raised awareness of the Scheme among community organisations supporting victims of institutional child sexual abuse. It also focussed on how people living with a disability can interact with, and access the Scheme.

The next workshop for community organisations and services will be held from 9:30am – 1pm on 17 August 2023 at The Art House in Wyong, NSW. The event is free and morning tea and lunch will be provided. You can register through Eventbrite(Opens in a new tab/window).

Scheme Data

As at 14 July 2023, there have been 28,341 applications to the Scheme. We have contacted 13,611 applicants to advise them of the outcome of their application.

Of all applications:

  • 12,886 have been finalised (determined as either eligible or ineligible, with offers of Redress either accepted or declined)
  • 12,145 payments have been made totalling approximately $1.077 billion dollars
  • 987 have been withdrawn by the applicant
  • 14,468 applications are on hand with the Scheme, of which:
    • 645 are with applicants, awaiting a decision on their offer of Redress
    • 1,735 are with institutions, awaiting a response to a Request For Information
    • 3,920 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)
    • 8,168 are in progress with the Scheme, of which:
      • 5,717 are being actioned
      • 2,451 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.

When a new institution joins the Scheme or the status of a participating institution changes, the Minister signs a Declaration which is an official list of all participating institutions. As of Declaration 4 of 2023, signed by the Minister on 28 June 2023:

  • all Commonwealth and State and Territory government institutions and 484 non government institutions are now participating in the Scheme.
  • approximately 69,000 sites across Australia are now covered by the Scheme.
  • 104 unique institutions have been declared under the Funder of Last Resort (FOLR) arrangements.
    • These institutions are defunct and the Commonwealth and/or relevant state governments are the FOLR.

The Declarations are available on the Federal Register of Legislation:

National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Declaration 2018 (legislation.gov.au)(Opens in a new tab/window)

For the latest information about institutions, visit our website:

https://nationalredress.gov.au/institutions

ACS Mutual is no longer participating in the National Redress Scheme

From Friday 30 June 2023, ACS Mutual is no longer participating in the National Redress Scheme.

ACS Mutual represented a number of institutions in the Scheme, including Australian Christian Churches, schools, ministries and missions, as participating groups or lone institutions.

There will be no impact on applications naming institutions ACS Mutual represented if they were received by the Scheme before 30 June 2023.

If an application naming an organisation that previously participated through ACS Mutual is lodged on or after 30 June 2023, the organisation will be encouraged to join the Scheme as soon as possible to ensure survivors are not disadvantaged.

Click here to find out about Organisations whose participation ceases as a result of ACS Mutual leaving the Scheme.

To find out more about institutions that have joined the Scheme, search for institutions that have joined the Scheme.

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).

August update 2023

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).

September update 2023

This is the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) update. It includes details on new institutions that have been named as declining to participate in the Scheme, a recap of the Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce forum recently held in Brisbane, the Scheme’s data regarding application processing and an update on participating institutions.

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:

New Institutions declining to participate in the Scheme

All institutions where the sexual abuse of children occurred must be held accountable. When the Scheme receives an application that mentions a previously unnamed institution, that institution has six months from the Scheme’s first formal contact with them to join the Scheme.

From 30 August 2023, the following two sporting institutions have been added to the list of other institutions that have declined to join the Scheme, are:

  • Tamworth Basketball Association
  • De La Salle Junior Rugby League Football Club.

In addition to being named as declining to participate in the Scheme, these sporting institutions are now ineligible to access future Australian Government funding until they choose to participate. Affected applicants have been notified, and the Scheme will continue to encourage these institutions to join.

Free Support Services are available in each State and Territory. These can be accessed via Redress Support Services by State or Territory | National Redress Scheme.

Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce forum

On Wednesday 30 August, representatives from the Scheme attended a forum on the Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce (the Taskforce) in Brisbane.

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

The Taskforce's purpose is to raise awareness of institutional child sexual abuse and its impacts, implement changes that will protect children, and provide a holistic response to support, justice and healing for people with lived experience across Queensland. It also provides advice on a grants program for activities that contribute to truth, healing and reconciling histories.

The forum brought together Taskforce members, support services and forum attendees to learn more about the Scheme, how to engage with it and ways to access support. It included a panel discussion on stories, impacts and recommendations moving forward, including options available after someone receives an offer of redress.

It was also an opportunity for the Scheme to engage directly with frontline community services, sharing knowledge and receiving positive feedback on its suite of new communication materials. These materials provide accessible and diverse information about applying for Redress. Frontline services can use in their offices or when conducting outreach activities.

Scheme Data

As at 15 September 2023, there have been 30,680 applications to the Scheme. We have contacted 14,505 applicants to advise them of the outcome of their application.

Of all applications:

  • 13,532 have been finalised (determined as either eligible or ineligible, with offers of Redress either accepted or declined)
  • 12,762 payments have been made totalling approximately $1.133 billion dollars
  • 1,122 have been withdrawn by the applicant
  • 16,026 applications are on hand with the Scheme, of which:
    • 852 are with applicants, awaiting a decision on their offer of Redress
    • 1,504 are with institutions, awaiting a response to a Request For Information
    • 4,507 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)
    • 9,163 are in progress with the Scheme, of which:
      • 7,018 are being actioned
      • 2,145 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.

When a new institution joins the Scheme or the status of a participating institution changes, the Minister signs a Declaration which is an official list of all participating institutions. As of Declaration 5 of 2023, signed by the Minister on 22 August 2023:

  • all Commonwealth and State and Territory government institutions and 496 non government institutions are now participating in the Scheme.
  • approximately 69,000 sites across Australia are now covered by the Scheme.
  • approximately 106 unique institutions have been declared under the Funder of Last Resort (FOLR) arrangements.
    • These institutions are defunct and the Commonwealth and/or relevant state governments are the FOLR.

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).

October update 2023

This is the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) update. It includes details on new institutions that have been named in August as declining to participate in the Scheme. It also includes information on an upcoming Community organisation workshop in Bendigo Victoria, an upcoming member’s conference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector leaders, and the Scheme’s data regarding application processing.

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:

New Institutions declining to participate in the Scheme

When the Scheme receives an application that mentions a previously unnamed institution, that institution has six months from the Scheme’s first formal contact with them to join the Scheme.

From 30 August 2023, the following two sporting institutions have been added to the list of other institutions that have declined to join the Scheme:

  • Tamworth Basketball Association
  • De La Salle Junior Rugby League Football Club.

In addition to being named as declining to participate in the Scheme, these sporting institutions are now ineligible to access future Australian Government funding until they choose to participate. Affected applicants have been notified, and the Scheme will continue to encourage these institutions to join.

Victorian Community Workshop

On 26 October 2023 Victorian Redress Support Services will lead a half-day workshop in Bendigo for community organisations.

The workshop aims to raise awareness of the Scheme among community organisations who may be supporting people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse. Representatives from the Scheme will be in attendance to explain details of the Scheme and answer questions people may have. Free registration is available via Humanitix(Opens in a new tab/window).

This will be the first in a series of community workshops within Victoria. Information on the next workshop will be shared in the coming months.

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Member’s Conference

On 25 and 26 October, representatives from the Scheme will attend the NACCHO Member’s Conference in Perth.

The NACCHO Members’ Conference is an annual gathering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector leaders from across the country. With over 400 delegates expected each year, the Conference brings opportunities for attendees to network, learn, influence and celebrate the ongoing drive for self-determination.

The Conference will enable the Scheme to engage with frontline Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health service providers. It provides the opportunity to answer questions they may have about the Scheme, as well as provide accessible information about eligibility, how to access specialist support services, and where to find further information.

The Scheme will have a booth and will be showcasing a suite of accessible and diverse communications materials about the Scheme that services can use in their offices or when conducting outreach activities.

Scheme Data

As at 13 October 2023, there have been 31,859 applications to the Scheme. We have contacted 14,914 applicants to advise them of the outcome of their application.

Of all applications:

  • 13,859 have been finalised (determined as either eligible or ineligible, with offers of Redress either accepted or declined)
  • 13,068 payments have been made totalling approximately $1.161 billion dollars
  • 1,158 have been withdrawn by the applicant
  • 16,842 applications are on hand with the Scheme, of which:
    • 840 are with applicants, awaiting a decision on their offer of Redress
    • 1,253 are with institutions, awaiting a response to a Request For Information
    • 4,847 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)
    • 9,902 are in progress with the Scheme, of which:
      • 7,823 are being actioned
      • 2,079 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 13 October 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).

November update 2023

This is the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) update. It includes details on changes to Victoria’s Counselling and Psychological Care arrangements, and the Scheme’s data regarding application processing.

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:

Changes to Victoria’s Counselling and Psychological Care (CPC) arrangements

From 1 November 2023, there have been changes to the way that Victoria manages the CPC component of a redress offer.

CPC in Victoria has been expanded and is now managed by National Redress Counselling and Psychological Care Service - Victoria(Opens in a new tab/window).

If you live in Victoria and have received an offer of redress you are able to access counselling, including some alternative therapies, from a variety of organisations and private practitioners. A minimum of 20 hours is available, and more if needed, over your lifetime. Your origin and chosen families, including extended kin and close relationships, are also able to access up to 20 hours of counselling and alternative therapies to address trauma and support healing.

Further information on Victoria’s counselling arrangements is available at National Redress Counselling and Psychological Care Service - Victoria(Opens in a new tab/window). A nominee or Redress Support Service can also help you start the process. Contact the service and speak with a friendly CPC Service Navigator by calling 1800 716 869 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, or by emailing cpc@dffh.vic.gov.au.

CPC in Victoria was formerly managed by Restore. Please be aware that attempts to contact Restore via the 1800 number will be re-directed to the new CPC service’s phone number.

Scheme Data

As at 3 November 2023, there have been 32,785 applications to the Scheme. We have contacted 15,211 applicants to advise them of the outcome of their application.

Of all applications:

  • 14,136 have been finalised (determined as either eligible or ineligible, with offers of Redress either accepted or declined)
  • 13,337 payments have been made totalling approximately $1.186 billion dollars
  • 1,201 have been withdrawn by the applicant
  • 17,448 applications are on hand with the Scheme, of which:
    • 884 are with applicants, awaiting a decision on their offer of Redress
    • 1,184 are with institutions, awaiting a response to a Request For Information
    • 5,033 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)
    • 10,347 are in progress with the Scheme, of which:
      • 8,235 are being actioned
      • 2,112 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 3 November 2023, data regarding participating institutions remains the same as included in September's update.

The Declarations are available on the Federal Register of Legislation:

For the latest information about institutions, visit our website: 

https://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. If you are overseas, please call +61 2 6222 3455 and then press 7 to be transferred to the National Redress Scheme.

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/(Opens in a new tab/window).

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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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