The Albanese Labor Government is committing an additional $142.2 million over five years to further support survivors of institutional child sexual abuse through the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Redress Scheme.
This funding, part of the 2023-24 Federal Budget, will ensure the Government can continue to deliver a Scheme that is timely, trauma-informed, and accessible for all survivors. The boost aims to improve the predictability of application processing and both the quality and consistency of outcomes for those accessing the Scheme.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the additional funding will ensure the Scheme continues to build momentum and credibility with survivors and their advocates.
“The Commonwealth, states and territories are resolute about creating the best possible outcomes for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse,” Minister Rishworth said.
“A number of recent improvements have made it easier to apply and with an increasing number of institutions joining there is much greater confidence in the Scheme. Our priority is to ensure survivors do not face unnecessary delays as they seek redress.
“We will continue to engage with survivors, advocates and services providers as we work together on delivering an improved and accessible ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Redress Scheme.”
Of this funding, $80.1 million over four years will be dedicated to Redress Support Services, including for services specially tailored to support First Nations peoples, people living with disability, and people who require language assistance.
As at 31 December 2022, Redress Support Services have helped support around 25,000 people across Australia through face-to-face, online or telephone support. Minister Rishworth said that the Government’s commitment to continue funding for Redress Support Services will provide survivors with the assurance that free, independent support will continue to be available and delivered in a culturally-safe and trauma informed way.
“This extra funding will allow more survivors access to free, confidential, practical, and emotional support for those applying or considering applying to the Scheme,” Minister Rishworth said.
On 4 May 2023, the Government released the Final Government Response to the independent Second Year Review of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Redress Scheme for institutional child sexual abuse.
This budget measure includes funding and authority to finalise the Government Response, further underlining the Government’s commitment to improving the Scheme for survivors and building on actions taken since the Interim response was released in June 2021.
