The National Redress Scheme for people who have experienced institutional sexual abuse launched on Sunday, 1 July 2018. The development of the National Redress Scheme was one of the key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse and was supported by the Catholic Church in Australia (which was the first non-government entity to join the scheme) and many survivor groups.
The National Redress Scheme will run for 10 years, meaning that people can apply for redress at any time up until 30 June 2027.
A dedicated website was launched yesterday to provide information about redress and how to apply. People can visit the website at www.nationalredress.gov.au.
A National Redress Scheme hotline has been set up. Survivors can contact the scheme on 1800 737 377 Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm (local time) excluding public holidays.
Survivors will be able to apply for redress online or via a paper application. The online application can be accessed through myGov, and the paper application can be accessed by:
- downloading it from the website;
- calling 1800 737 377 and getting a form sent in the mail; or
- asking a support service for one.
Those needing assistance in the application process for the redress scheme are able to access free, professional redress support services. These services can offer someone to talk to, provide information and answer questions about the scheme, assist claimants in filling out the application and helping them understand the outcome. The support services are equipped to provide people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.