As National Law Week 2026 begins, many survivors of child sexual abuse are hearing renewed conversations about the National Redress Scheme and its future. For some people, this brings up difficult questions. For others, it may be the first time they have learned that formal justice options exist at all. What we want survivors to know most clearly is this: you still have options, and you do not have to navigate them alone.
Knowmore stands with survivors
Knowmore is a national community legal centre providing free, independent legal advice and multidisciplinary support to people who have experienced child sexual abuse. We work with survivors across Australia, offering legal information and advice, help understanding justice options, and connections to counselling and other supports. We support all survivors of child sexual abuse, including people who have experienced abuse in institutions, in families, in community settings, or outside institutional environments. We know that any form of child sexual abuse can have lifelong impacts, and that seeking justice can be an important part of a person’s healing journey.
One of the justice pathways we support survivors to explore is the National Redress Scheme. The scheme was established following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It provides eligible survivors of institutional child sexual abuse with access to redress, which may include financial redress, counselling and psychological support, and a Direct Personal Response such as an apology from the responsible institution. Deciding whether to apply is a personal choice and it is not right for everyone, but understanding the scheme can be an important step in knowing what options are available.
At Knowmore, we see how powerful recognition and informed choice can be for survivors who are considering redress. As our Manager of Advocacy and Law Reform, Sean Bowes explains, “For many survivors, redress has been a life-changing step because it recognises harm and affirms dignity. Every survivor deserves the time, information and support they need to decide what is right for them.”
Under the law as it currently stands, there are some key dates that apply to the National Redress Scheme:
- Applications must be lodged by 30 June 2027
• If you accept an offer that includes a Direct Personal Response, such as an apology, you should contact the responsible institution to arrange this by 30 June 2028
• The National Redress Scheme is scheduled to end on 1 July 2028.
We understand that seeing these dates can feel confronting, particularly for people who are only now learning about redress or who have taken many years to feel ready to explore justice options. We encourage all survivors to seek independent legal advice. Independent advice can help you understand what these timelines mean for you.
Challenges for the future
Knowmore is deeply concerned that there may not be enough time left under the current timeline for the National Redress Scheme to process all applications and fully meet the needs of all survivors of institutional child sexual abuse who wish to apply. Many survivors face significant barriers to disclosure and access to information, and often need time and support before they feel ready to engage with formal processes.
We are also concerned about what comes next. Survivors who experience institutional child sexual abuse after 30 June 2018 are not eligible for the National Redress Scheme. This means that children who experience abuse today, as well as future generations of victims and survivors, will not have access to the same redress and justice making options that are currently available. In our view, it is critical that the Australian Government prioritises planning for the future of redress so that all victims and survivors have access to fair and meaningful pathways to justice and recognition.
Knowmore remains strongly committed to ensuring the National Redress Scheme works as it was always meant to, for survivors. We continue to call for an extension to the scheme and for reforms that reflect trauma-informed decision making and the reality that many survivors are still yet to come forward. We are also advocating for the Australian Government to prioritise ongoing funding for Knowmore and other support services, so that survivors can continue to access the legal and related support they need to navigate their redress and justice making options during the life of the scheme and into the future.
“Too many survivors still do not know the National Redress Scheme exists,” Sean says. “Extending the scheme and planning for the future is about giving survivors the time, support and opportunity to make informed decisions on their own terms.”
Take action for redress
You can support Knowmore’s advocacy for a fairer and more survivor-centred approach to redress in the following ways:
- Write to the federal Minister responsible for the National Redress Scheme, calling for an extension, future planning for redress, and survivor-focused reform. As at May 2026, the Minister is the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP.
-
- Contact your local Member of Parliamentto express support for ongoing redress and funding for survivor support services. You can find your local MP here.
- Follow Knowmore on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInand share our posts to raise awareness of the deadline for applications to the National Redress Scheme – Knowmore provides free and independent legal support.
The future of the National Redress Scheme is likely to be considered as part of the eighth-year review of the scheme, due to begin in the second half of 2026. Survivor voices must be central to shaping what comes next.
The National Redress Scheme exists because survivors spoke out through the Royal Commission and fought for redress. As Sean Bowes says, “We owe it to survivors, and to future generations, to ensure our legal systems recognise harm, respect survivor choice and support healing.”
If you would like support or advice, you can learn more about our services at https://knowmore.org.au/services or contact us on 1800 605 762.
This information is general in nature and should not be relied on as legal advice. We encourage survivors to seek advice about their individual circumstances.