The National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse is approaching a critical date, with the deadline for applications on 30 June 2027.
‘We recognise how difficult it can be for survivors to come forward,’ said Jackie Mead, CEO of Knowmore Legal Service.
‘We want survivors to know that free and independent support is available. We can help survivors to make an informed decision about their options.’
The National Redress Scheme was established in 2018 in response to the landmark Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse as an important justice-making option for survivors.
‘The National Redress Scheme has altered the trajectory of my life,’ said Chris Coombes, Lived Experience Lead at Knowmore.
‘Through the redress process, I gained the courage to share about my abuse openly, and to embody the reality that the abuse was not and is not my fault.’
‘Receiving legal advice was extremely beneficial,’ said Chris. ‘It helped me to feel that I was not alone.’
Ms Mead said there are many reasons that survivors who are eligible for the National Redress Scheme might not yet have come forward. They might not be emotionally ready or might fear the stigma that still exists in society.
Limited awareness of the redress scheme is also a part of the problem.
‘Knowmore often speaks with survivors who first learn of the National Redress Scheme from us, especially when we do outreach to regional, rural and remote areas,’ said Ms Mead.
The National Redress Scheme has received 78,821 applications as at 30 April 2026.
The Department of Social Services has shared modelling by the Australian Government Actuary, indicating that ‘up to 98,400 applications could be submitted to the Scheme by 30 June 2027’.
After 30 June 2027, a person will only be able to apply to the National Redress Scheme if there are exceptional circumstances.
The law says the National Redress Scheme will end on 1 July 2028. Knowmore is a community legal centre that provides free, independent legal advice and multidisciplinary support for survivors of child sexual abuse. For more information or to arrange media interviews with a local representative, contact media officer Barbara Charan on 0418 232 906 or email via media@knowmore.org.au