The following news update is from the National Redress Scheme (Australian Government Department of Social Services).
In its first quarter of operation, the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) commenced assessing applications for institutions that are participating in the Scheme. Offers of redress have been made, and some offers have been accepted and paid.
This newsletter includes an update on institutions as they finalise arrangements to participate in the Scheme. It also includes details about important changes to the sharing of information from applications with institutions.
For more information or to find support services, visit the National Redress Scheme website or call 1800 737 377 during business hours
Institution update
There are a number of steps institutions must take to join the Scheme, and these are different depending on the type of institution that is joining. For instance, state governments need to pass laws through their state parliament in order to participate in the Scheme. These laws, when they are passed, also allow non-government institutions in that state to join the Scheme.
All state governments have progressed action to pass such laws. Adoption bills have been passed in Queensland and South Australia, and Western Australia has introduced legislation into its parliament. Tasmania has completed the final steps to participate in the Scheme.
Tasmania joins New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory in completing arrangements to participate in the Scheme. Remaining state and territory governments are expected to start in the Scheme soon. This progress brings these states a big step closer to full participation in the Scheme.
Many non-government institutions have also committed to the Scheme and are finalising arrangements to join. For non-government institutions, as well as having relevant laws in place in their state to allow them to join the Scheme, they must take a number of other administrative steps to formally join the Scheme.
Click here to view the new table of institutions participating by state and territory or search for a participating institution.
More institutions have now completed these steps.
The Salvation Army, the United Protestants Association of New South Wales and the Scouts branches of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia have finalised arrangements to join the Scheme.
Many other non-government institutions have announced their intention to join. The first Catholic Dioceses and Archdioceses and Anglican Church have publicly announced their intention to start participating in the coming months.
The Department of Social Services is working closely with these institutions to ensure they complete the necessary steps to join the Scheme as quickly as possible.
Applications can be made at any time, however, the relevant institution needs to have joined the Scheme and completed all the necessary administrative steps for an application to be processed.
Information shared with institutions
Arrangements for the way part three of the application is shared with institutions is changing. Applicants to the Scheme will be provided with the choice not to share part three with institutions.
These changes have now commenced. Part three will no longer be provided to institutions without agreement from the applicant. Applicants will be asked by the Scheme if they would like this information withheld. This consent will be sought at the next contact with the applicant.
The Application is currently being reviewed to incorporate these changes along with early feedback from survivors and stakeholders on the application and will be deployed in the near future.
Applicants can still apply using the existing applications available on the website and through myGov
New resources available
The Scheme website has a range of fact sheets that can be downloaded or viewed online. Topics include who can apply, how the application process works and what happens with the information you provide in your application.
You will also find an easy-read overview of the National Redress Scheme and Taking the National Redress Scheme Journey for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Access the fact sheets here.
Information is also provided in the following languages: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Greek, Italian, Tamil, Turkish and Vietnamese.
Accessible application form
A new version of the Redress application is available which allows applicants to fill in the form using a computer. Application for Redress – Fillable PDF..
Previous applications and hand-written applications are still accepted and people can still apply using the online application on myGov.
Independent Decision Makers
Independent Decision Makers consider applications for redress, make decisions and conduct reviews.
The Independent Decision Makers are Ruth Baker, Peter Frost, John Hinchey PSM and Helen Lac. You can read about them here. More Independent Decision Makers will be appointed soon.
Find out more
You can call the National Redress Scheme on 1800 737 377 Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm (local time) excluding public holidays. You can also visit the website at www.nationalredress.gov.au.
Where do I get support?
Redress Support Services are available to help people understand the Scheme, provide emotional support and guide people through the application process. A list of support services is available on the website.
Those who need immediate assistance can contact:
- Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
- 1800 Respect 1800 737 732
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Mensline 1300 78 99 78
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).