A major inquiry into the National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse began on 30 October 2025.
Anyone can have their say by making a written submission to the inquiry. It is particularly important that the inquiry hears directly from victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
The inquiry is being undertaken by the committee of the Australian Parliament that oversees the National Redress Scheme – the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme.
The terms of reference are the topics that the Joint Standing Committee has asked about. These topics are broad, but include a focus on arrangements in the lead-up to the end of the National Redress Scheme. Under the current law, the National Redress Scheme will end on 1 July 2028.
There is no set format for a submission. For example, a submission might be a written document or a short video. It does not need to be long or use legal language. Talking about your personal experience with the National Redress Scheme can be an effective submission.
You can ask the Joint Standing Committee to keep your submission to the inquiry confidential. A request for confidentiality would usually be granted, but it is ultimately the Joint Standing Committee and the Australian Parliament’s choice.
You can upload your submission on the Australian Parliament’s website. Submissions to the inquiry close on Friday, 6 February 2026.
More information about the inquiry is available on the inquiry’s webpage. The Australian Parliament’s website also has more information about making a submission to a committee inquiry.